§ 4. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of herds is now free of brucellosis; and whether he will make a statement on the progress of the eradication scheme.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)5.1 per cent. of British herds are already accredited and a further 5.6 per cent. are qualifying under the present voluntary schemes. I do not want to be unduly optimistic but the initial response to the new incentives scheme has been very encouraging, and 80 per cent. of accredited herd owners have opted for it. Plans are under way for next year's compulsory eradication programme, and the Milk Marketing Boards have started screening tests to assist in determining the initial choice of area.
§ Mr. BrewisIs my hon. Friend aware that many people consider that this disease is more prevalent now that it was five years ago? Will he take the bull by the horns and bring in immediately an area eradication scheme for brucellosis?
§ Mr. StodartIf we are to tackle this scheme properly, it is essential not only to take several bulls by the horns but also to plan this so that we have a sufficient reservoir of stock. To go in for mass compensation rather than a planned area scheme would not fulfil what we want to do.