HC Deb 15 November 1973 vol 864 c657
15. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in brucellosis eradication in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Peter Mills

In Northern Ireland, after a period of voluntary testing, compulsory eradication of brucellosis began in dairy herds in 1963 and in beef herds in 1965. I am happy to say that by the end of 1971 infection was reduced to a level which satisfied the Ministry of Agriculture that Northern Ireland should be declared a brucellosis-free area.

Complete eradication of the remaining small amount of infection has proved difficult but it is hoped that the further control measures introduced recently will help in this respect.

Mr. Howell

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but may I ask whether he is satisfied that all practical steps are being taken to minimise the spread of this disease from the Republic of Southern Ireland?

Mr. Mills

Indeed, and we have started to take further steps to deal with this problem. New regulations are about to be announced.

Mr. Molyneaux

Does my hon. Friend agree that the number of outbreaks which have occurred in Eire are a cause for alarm? I notice that the Minister for Agriculture in Eire admitted that only six of his 26 counties were brucellosis-free. Will my hon. Friend give an undertaking that everything possible will be done to tighten control and movement?

Mr. Mills

Yes, Sir. The new regulations will help to deal with the problem that we are experiencing from the Republic.