HC Deb 25 May 1966 vol 729 cc453-5
10 and 11. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps are being taken to make brucellosis notifiable;

(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of eradicating brucellosis from cattle.

25. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a pilot scheme for brucellosis eradication.

Mr. Peart

It would not be useful or practicable to make brucellosis notifiable. The cost of eradicating this disease from cattle would depend on the method of approach, including the form and phasing of any scheme of eradication. I regret that I am not at present in a position to make a statement about a pilot scheme of eradication.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his inaction in this matter is causing distress to thousands of people in this country; that quite recently one doctor in Macclesfield was treating 28 patients suffering from Malta fever? Why is the right hon. Gentleman so dilatory in this matter? Why does he not get on with the job, see that something is done and help to allay the anxieties of thousands of people who are greatly distressed about it?

Mr. Peart

I am aware that this is a serious problem, but it did not arise just because a Labour Government came to power.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Is the Minister aware that a pilot scheme of eradication has already been carried out in Cheshire by Messrs. Bibby and Sons and that the preliminary results indicate that the costs of eradication are far less than those suggested by his Department so far?

Mr. Peart

I cannot accept that. I am not yet in a position to announce anything relating to such a scheme.

Mr. Kitson

As the Minister supported an eradication scheme two years ago, why will he not start one now? Is it not disgraceful that Northern Ireland should have nearly completed its eradication scheme while we have not yet even started one? Why should we be virtually the only country in Western Europe not to make this a notifiable disease?

Mr. Peart

It is, as I have said, a pity that previous Administrations did not take this matter seriously. [Interruption.] I personally believe in some form of eradication, and I am still carefully looking into the matter.

Sir A. V. Harvey

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.