HC Deb 29 June 1971 vol 820 cc194-5
16. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the committee he has appointed to inquire into the fowl pest epidemic will, in view of the gravity of the situation, issue an interim report.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Review Panel has been asked to work as speedily as possible and may certainly make interim recommendations where these would be appropriate.

Mr. Kimball

Is my hon. Friend aware that in certain parishes of Lincolnshire the disease has spread to avian predators and various song birds which are not normally the responsibility of the Ministry? Will they be covered by the interim report?

Mr. Stodart

Yes, they will.

Mr. Charles Morrison

Will my hon. Friend ask the panel whether, as an interim measure at least, it can give guidance on the spreading—or, rather, not spreading—of manures from poultry houses affected with this disease?

Mr. Stodart

It is an offence at the moment to spread manure or slurry which has not been disinfected, and our officials take particular care to ensure that this is carried out. I will draw the attention of the panel to what my hon. Friend has said so that it may consider it urgently.