HC Deb 03 November 1966 vol 735 cc169-70W
Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what urgent steps he is taking to deal with the spread of columnaris disease, now affecting salmon in the Solway rivers.

Mr. Ross

As reports of disease in the Scottish portion of the Border Esk have now been confirmed I have today made an Order under the Diseases of Fish Act, 1937 designating this portion of the river and its tributary streams as an infected area. This will complement the Order made last week by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, covering the mouth of the Esk and other rivers in Cumberland.

So far there has been no outbreak on any other Scottish river. District Boards have, however, been given all available information about the symptoms and effects of the disease and have been asked to report to my Department whenever there is any suspicion of an outbreak so that arrangements can be made for immediate inspection and any necessary further action.

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