HC Deb 10 April 1952 vol 498 cc266-7W
45. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give an assurance that every effort is being made in this country by way of research to combat foot-and-mouth disease; and if he will ensure that his research establishments investigate methods successfully used in other countries.

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes. Our research station at Pirbright is devoted to the study of this disease and is to be extended. Full account is taken of the experience of other countries.

Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what evidence he has derived from the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in this country to show that livestock on farms where organic manuring is practised exclusively are immune to infection; and if he will make a statement.

Sir T. Dugdale

I have found no evidence to suggest that organic manuring on a farm tends to make the livestock there immune to foot-and-mouth infection; but my Department does not collect information about manuring practices on farms where the disease has broken out.