70. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the charge recently made against the farm manager and assistant farm manager of the Radnor Agricultural Executive Committee for permitting the carcasses of 120 sheep to remain unburied; how often were the sheep attended to; and what was the explanation for this neglect.
§ Mr. G. BrownYes. The sheep were inspected five times during December and on 29th December they were found to be in good condition. Unfortunately a heavy fog from 30th December until 2nd January coincided with a sudden attack of pulpy kidney disease which causes rapid death.
71. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he undertook the responsibility of the payment of£2 imposed by the Painscastle magistrates upon the farms manager and assistant farms manager of the Radnor Agricultural Executive Committee for permitting 120 sheep to be unburied; what disciplinary action has been taken against these officers for neglectful management; and what positions they now hold in his Department.
§ Mr. G. BrownThe farm manager paid his own fine and there was no fine on his assistant. The farm manager has been reprimanded and in view of the circumstances which I have mentioned in reply to Question No. 70, my right hon. Friend regards this action as sufficient. The assistant farm manager is no longer employed by my right hon. Friend's Department as his post has become redundant.