HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc241-2W
Lieut.-Commander Maydon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why, in view of the large numbers of animals contracting foot-and-mouth disease in countries close across the English Channel during the months of November and December, no order was made to prohibit imports of meat from those countries until 19th January and this order did not take effect until 27th January.

Mr. John Mackie

We require strict veterinary conditions to be observed at all times by the exporting countries to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into Great Britain, and these rigorous conditions have given us good protection in the past. We have at all times kept in close touch with the Netherlands veterinary atuhorities, and the ban was imposed when the disease was found to be spreading seriously. In making our decision, we took into account the time needed for publication of the Order and clearance of any supplies already on their way.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what action the United Kingdom is taking to manufacture more vaccine for use in Europe against outbreaks of foot and mouth disease.

Mr. John Mackie

The types of foot and mouth disease at present occurring in Western Europe are those usually encountered.

Vaccination is already common practice, and suitable vaccines are produced in most of the countries concerned. We have not been asked to help.

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