HC Deb 26 July 1967 vol 751 cc722-3
17. Mr. Hawkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress of the voluntary brucellosis eradication scheme.

Mr. Peart

There has been a good response to the Brucellosis (Accredited Herds) Scheme. In the first three months we have received over 5,000 applications.

Mr. Hawkins

But progess with the scheme depends upon a sufficient availability of sampling centres. Does not the Minister feel that, without a compulsory eradication scheme with compensation, his present scheme will spread over too many years and will damage the industry?

Mr. Peart

No, Sir. I am sure that it was right to have a voluntary scheme first. This is important at this stage, and I am glad that the response is good.

Sir A. V. Harvey

The figures which the Minister quoted are reasonably satisfactory, but progress is far too slow. Why is Britain dragging its feet behind Northern Ireland and Continental countries? There is real danger to the health of thousands of people in Britain because of the Minister's slow policy.

Mr. Peart

I have always regarded this as a serious matter, and I have been surprised that my predecessors did nothing about it. I have brought in a scheme, and I hope that it will work.