HC Deb 19 June 1952 vol 502 cc116-7W
89. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will take steps to have the wheels of cars arriving from France, disinfected when they reach the channel ports, in order to avoid possible spreading of foot-and-mouth disease.

Sir T. Dugdale

I have given much thought to the question of cars from the Continent, and I am advised that the risk of their spreading foot-and-mouth disease is very slight. The risk depends on the virus having been deposited on a road on the Continent, picked up by a car, and deposited again on a road in this country to which stock have access.

94. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in Dumfriesshire during the past month; how many animals were affected by the disease; how many animals have been slaughtered; and what is the total cost of compensation to date.

Sir T. Dugdale

There have been 22 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Dumfries, the first of which was confirmed on 2nd June. 4,950 animals have been slaughtered, of which 69 were found to be infected at the time of diagnosis, though many more would have been incubating the disease, and some of these were showing symptoms at the time of slaughter. Compensation figures are not yet available.

95. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Agriculture what official representations have been made to the French Government in the question of combined governmental action to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.

Sir T. Dugdale

I do not think that any special representations to the French Government are called for. What is needed is concerted action by all European countries concerned against foot-and-mouth disease. Various international bodies on which this country is represented are collaborating in the study of means to combat foot-and-mouth disease, and they have made recommendations to the Governments concerned.

96. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make arrangements for American aircraft arriving in this country from the Continent to have their wheels disinfected to prevent the spreading of foot-and-mouth disease.

Sir T. Dugdale

I am not clear why my hon. Friend specifies American aircraft. There is no foot-and-mouth disease in America itself, but American aircraft coming to us from the Continent would carry the same risk, and no more than the same risk, of spreading the disease as other aircraft. The risk is very small indeed, since it is only rarely that aircraft take off from and land on airfields where stock are kept, and I do not think there is any need to have the wheels disinfected.