§ 6. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of undulant fever have occurred in Scotland in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. RossUndulant fever is not in itself a notifiable disease and complete statistics are not available. The only figures I have relate to people treated in hospital for this disease for the years 1961–1963. There were 35 in 1961, 22 in 1962, and 32 in 1963.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that a policy of eradication of brucellosis among cattle would reduce the risk of undulant fever and would be a great contribution to public health? In view of the attitude of the Minister of Agriculture, would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to initiate such a policy in Scotland?
§ Mr. RossI think that the hon. Gentleman will be aware that at the present time we have considerably reduced the risks in this respect by the free vaccination scheme, to which we are giving further publicity. He will also be aware that there has been a survey of the incidence of brucellosis in milk herds, and that there is a study group working on the problem on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture. After we get its report, which should come fairly soon, we should have all the information on which to base any further scheme. However, it is too early at the moment to start out on an eradication scheme.
§ Mr. KitsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that fewer calves are being vaccinated since the vaccination service has become free? Is he aware that Scotland is the only country in Western Europe, with the exception of England, where undulant fever is not a notifiable disease? Ought he not to accept the recommendations of the B.M.A. and make this a notifiable disease in Scotland?
§ Mr. RossThere has been a survey, and the Government are studying the results. There is at the moment a working party looking into the subject. Eventually we shall have a full picture of what should be done. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman suggests that the results are disappointing in England and Wales. I hope that he was not speaking for Scotland.
§ Mr. KitsonI was.
§ Mr. StodartWill the right hon. Gentleman continue to do what my right hon. Friend the Member for Argyll (Mr. Noble) did—keep Scotland out ahead? Will he take a lead in the matter of brucellosis, particularly remembering a fact of which both sides of the House must be proud, that it was Scotland which took the lead in eradicating tuberculosis?
§ Mr. RossYes, Sir. The part of the world from which I come was one of the first to achieve 100 per cent. eradication. However, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the lead which his right hon. Friend took was to introduce the scheme which the hon. Gentleman is now criticising.