§ 46. Sir J. Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on large egg, broiler and poultry 55W units; what estimate he has made of the extent to which this development will increase the danger of fowl pest; what steps he is taking to prevent this danger; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartThe question as to whether the size of units as such has any impact on disease risk is one factor which has to be taken into consideration. Disease risks in poultry cannot be assessed wholly or mainly by flock size. Other factors such as husbandry, including vaccination, are at least as important. The policy of control of fowl pest by voluntary use of dead vaccine, helped by two years subsidisation of the price, is proving effective.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now considered the petition sent to him, and the representations made by the hon. Member for Newark, concerning fowl pest control in Nottinghamshire; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. MackieI have given very careful consideration to the petition which my hon. Friend forwarded to my right hon. Friend with his letter of 2nd November and I have sent him a detailed reply today. With regard to the question of the disease risks involved in large scale poultry units, one of the points referred to in this petition, this has been dealt with in the reply given today by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for Horncastle (Sir J. Maitland).
— Value of U. K. Exports of Cattle for Breeding 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 January—September £ £ £ £ £ £ Total Exports … 497,036 749,183 785,500 940,166 858,211 926,431 Irish Republic … 154,733 157,814 203,138 318,203 428,651 395,532 Other destinations … 342,303 591,369 582,362 621,963 429,560 530,899