§ 8. Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of what persons he made inquiries, in order to elucidate the rights and wrongs of the allegations made about the suffering caused to animals during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Northumberland, other than of those who had acted as his agents in one capacity or another.
§ Mr. PeartI undertook to inquire into certain allegations reported by the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Viscount Lambton). In doing this I accepted that his statements correctly reflected the allegations made to him. I am willing to consider comments from any of those concerned if they wish to amplify their statements in the light of my report; and I am now examining further observations from one fanner which the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed sent to me last week.
§ Mr. StodartDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a step in the right direction? Was it not his intention that the inquiry should get all the facts and allay the criticism and anxiety? Does he not agree that the absence of statements from shepherds and so on who are reported in the newspapers to have made allegations deprives the report of much valuable information?
§ Mr. PeartI am anxious to do what is right here. I am glad that the hon. Member accepted what I said in my reply. I took the statements at their face value and have given my detailed comments on them. The hon. Gentleman would not expect me to interview constituents and 1689 other witnesses behind an hon. Member's back. I refuse to do that.
§ 48. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to use troops trained to meet this emergency to deal with outbreaks of foot and mouth disease.
§ Mr. PeartThis is one of a number of suggestions made to me by the National Farmers' Unions which are being examined.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIs the Minister aware that considerable advantages are to be gained from considering the suggestion, not least because it might have helped him to avoid some of his recent difficulties in this connection?