HC Deb 28 January 1960 vol 616 cc62-3W
81. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the number of outbreaks of fowl pest on Norfolk farms during the past six months, the number of birds affected, and the total compensation paid.

Mr. Hare

There were 322 outbreaks of fowl pest in Norfolk between July and December, 1959, and 172 between 1st and 24th January this year. I regret that the number of birds that had to be destroyed in Norfolk and the total compensation paid in the county are not readily available. All told, nearly five million birds had to be destroyed in Great Britain as a result of outbreaks of fowl pest in 1959. The compensation payments actually made in the current financial year already exceed £2 million and additional claims so far received exceed £1 million.