HC Deb 20 June 1961 vol 642 cc125-6W
Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that when Fenton Manor Farm was visited by the hon. Members for the City of Stoke-on-Trent and the town clerk, they were shown by agricultural scientists the effects of fluorine contamination on cattle and the resulting emaciation; and what action he has taken in the matter.

Mr. Vane

Members of the Stoke-on-Trent City Council visited Fenton Manor Farm early in 1954 soon after it was taken over by the Ministry for experimental purposes. They were shown photographs of animals, not kept in the Stoke-on-Trent area, which illustrated the effects on them of fluorine contamination. During the Ministry's tenure of this farm there have been no cases of serious emaciation. Experimental work at the farm will cease in September of this year, and a full report will be prepared. Interim reports have been sent regularly to the hon. Member.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the dates on which he received letters from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South dealing with Fenton Manor Farm.

Mr. Vane

Letters dated as follows have been received from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith), dealing with Fenton Manor Farm:

16th June, 1952. 14th June, 1955.
13th October, 1952. 5th January, 1956.
3rd July, 1953. 10th July, 1960.
16th January, 1955. 8th May, 1961.