§ 8. Mr. Wigginasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions have taken place for offences against Section 2 of the Epizootic Abortion Order 1922 in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. MackieLocal authorities have not notified any prosecutions under this Order during the past five years.
§ Mr. WigginIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the great disquiet felt by the agricultural community about the fact that cows which may have aborted within the previous two months are being sold on the open market and infecting other cattle? Will he take steps to take action under this Order?
§ Mr. MackieIt is difficult to take steps under this Order. My reply illustrates 1324 the practical difficulties which successive Governments have had to face in dealing with this question. We should avoid legislation which cannot be effectively enforced. I know that this is a difficult matter and that farmers are worried about it, but if they want herds to be accredited and to avoid this difficulty, they should find out whether the animals have been tested or test them themselves before putting them into the herd.