HC Deb 10 May 1967 vol 746 cc1469-70
1. Mr. Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what efforts are being made, and how much is being spent, to investigate the cause of cysticercus bovis in cattle.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Norman Buchan)

The cause of cysticercus bovis in cattle is already known: cattle are infected through the ingestion of tape worm eggs discharged by the human host.

Mr. Steele

Is my hon. Friend aware that the present approach to the cause, and to the eradication of this disease seems to be rather half-hearted? Could we not have an assurance that something more should be done in this matter?

Mr. Buchan

The evidence we have is that this is not an acute public health problem, but it is a public health problem, and I will keep the possibility of further research in mind.

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