§ 11. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the total number of herds which will have to be accredited as brucellosis-free, to provide a pool of brucellosis-free stock, before introducing eradication of the disease on an area basis.
§ 34. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cause of the delay in progress towards the eradication of brucellosis; if he will now announce his proposals for area eradication; what is his 414 estimate of the annual cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe main obstacle to an early start with area eradication is the existence of large numbers of vaccinal reactors. To start too early would mean the unnecessary slaughter of those animals and would call for an unduly large number of replacements. These reactors will be progressively culled from herds over the next three years. In two years' time, for example, some 15,000 to 20,000 accredited herds should, on certain assumptions, provide sufficient replacements for a start to be made with area eradication on a worthwhile scale.
My aim is to start limited eradication projects in specially selected areas in 1971, and I am already looking at the practical requirements. The annual cost will depend on the scale, timing, and terms of the compulsory scheme.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI welcome the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has come to a tentative decision about area eradication, but must we still wait another two or three years before we get under way? Is he aware that the great weight of veterinary opinion is that we must go in for area eradication if the scheme is to progress and that unless we give a strong and positive lead in the next two or three years the scheme may grind to a halt?
§ Mr. HughesWhat I said was not tentative. I said that I was considering practical schemes for area eradication in certain areas in 1971. That is positive. This is a satisfactory proposal, bearing in mind the increasing progress which we are making. Since I made my statement on 5th November, the level of applications has been rising. Currently it is exceeding 150 a week. Therefore, very good progress is being made.
§ Mr. AshtonDoes my right hon. Friend intend to take action on the allegations that farmers are deliberately selling cattle which are brucellosis carriers, knowing that this could spread the disease?
§ Mr. HughesThat would be a thoroughly unscrupulous thing to do and would be deplored throughout the House. I hope that it is not happening.