HC Deb 26 June 1968 vol 767 cc437-8
26. Mr. W. H. K. Baker

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

44. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the progress of the Brucellosis (Accredited Herds) Scheme; and what plans he has for introducing into the scheme greater financial incentives.

Mr. John Mackie

Up to the end of May, 9,550 applications for membership of the Brucellosis (Accredited Herds) Scheme had been received. Some 5,000 herds are in the varying stages of their qualifying tests, and 514 herds have been registered as accredited. We see no immediate need to introduce greater financial incentives in view of the encouraging response to this scheme. How-

Parliamentary Secretary think that the price will go, and what action will he take.

Mr. Hoy

The hon. Gentleman asked me what the imports were. I thought that he would have been delighted to hear that a decline had occurred. I hope that what we have done and what has happened will strengthen our own position.

Following are the details:

ever, the scheme will be reviewed with the Farmers' Unions again in the autumn.

Mr. Baker

Despite the hon. Gentleman's reply, does he not agree that the most significant contribution the Government could make to this scheme would be to introduce a slaughter and compensation policy, which so far they have withheld?

Mr. Mackie

I could not disagree with the hon. Gentleman more. If we were to introduce a slaughter policy we would be short of milk and everything else literally overnight.

Mr. Morrison

Despite the figures the hon. Gentleman gave, does he not agree that the bulk of applications to join the scheme come from pedigree breeders and producer/retailers and that, when these have been dealt with, it is likely that there will be a considerable slackening off in the number of applications, unless better incentives are given?

Mr. Mackie

There is nothing whatsoever to indicate that.

Dr. John Dunwoody

May I assure my hon. Friend that his Answer will be welcomed by many people and that the achievements which have already been made will make a significant contribution, not only to improving animal health, but also to improving human health?

Mr. Mackie

I agree with my hon. Friend.