HC Deb 13 May 1952 vol 500 cc111-2W
122. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to minimise the loss and dislocation caused to the country and farmers by the standstill orders due to foot-and-mouth disease; and, in particular, how far he is encouraging a greater amount of local slaughtering

Mr. Nugent

My right hon. Friend is doing everything possible to bring the outbreaks under control. In addition, the infected areas are demarcated as far as possible to include slaughterhouses. I understand from my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food that full use is being made of the slaughtering facilities in the infected areas and that the only limiting factor is the capacity of the slaughtermen, who are working at high pressure.

7. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Agriculture with regard to the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, how long he anticipates it will be necessary to maintain the restriction of movement of livestock as far south as Lincolnshire.

Sir T. Dugdale

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made at the end of Questions on 8th May. I cannot forecast how soon it may be possible to remove restrictions from any particular part of the country.