HC Deb 10 February 1965 vol 706 cc355-6
5. Mr. Ian Gilmour

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to eradicate brucellosis in this country.

16. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the suggestions of the Report on Brucellosis; and if he will make a statement.

25. Sir Richard Glyn

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made with the problem of eradicating brucellosis in cattle; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

I have nothing to add to the Answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Sir W. Bromley-Davenport) on 3rd February.

Mr. Gilmour

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the proposals of the British Veterinary Association for the stamping out of the disease? Would he not agree that unless he acts soon we are likely shortly to run into difficulties with the export of livestock?

Mr. Peart

No, Sir. I read the article in question, having had a long interest in the matter. Apart from that, I am discussing the matter and am awaiting a further detailed report by my own departmental officials. It is a very difficult problem—there are questions of expense and resources—but I recognise that there is a problem, and as soon as I have anything to announce I will make a statement.

Mr. Kitson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report was published before Christmas? Further, is he aware of the remarks which he made in the debate as far back as June last year, when he said that the Ministry must get on with this? That was probably one of the most sensible things he has said. Is he aware that we are the only country in Western Europe which has no eradication scheme? Will he say that he will get on with it much quicker than by looking at it again?

Mr. Peart

I thought the hon. Gentleman was going to say that I shall get on with it much quicker than my predecessors did.

Sir Richard Glyn

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when his departmental organisation was instructed to look at the matter? Is he not aware that a very full, thorough and authoritative report has been in his hands for a considerable time, and that other countries which are more progressive in this way are seriously considering curtailing our exports and, therefore, our trade, if nothing is done?

Mr. Peart

From a departmental point of view, I am still awaiting a report on further studies. When I have read and studied it, I will make a decision.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

This will not do. The right hon. Gentleman has had the report a considerable time. Does he remember saying in June last year that it was only the administrative will which was stopping the scheme being brought into being? If he is to bring in a scheme, will it be the scheme that he was so anxious in June should be brought in?

Mr. Peart

I am considering it and shall act with greater speed than my predecessors did.

Mr. Kitson

Owing to the extremely unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.