Foot-and-Mouth Disease

HC Deb 28 February 1968 vol 759 cc359-60W

Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, having regard to representations made to him by the National Farmers' Union, the British Veterinary Association and other trade and professional bodies to continue the ban on meat imports from countries which have foot-and-mouth disease, whether he will now make a further statement on prolongation of the existing ban and associated matters.

Mr. Monro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now extend the ban on the import of meat from countries with endemic foot-and-mouth disease until after he has considered the report of the inquiry into the recent outbreak.

Mr. Grant-Ferris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement upon the initial causes of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease last autumn.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will continue the ban on the import of meat from countries where foot-and-mouth disease is endemic; and if he will make a statement.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received from his veterinary advisers as to the origin of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak; whether in the light of the most recent evidence he is satisfied that the outbreak did not originate from Argentinian meat; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart:

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) and others.

Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what further consultations he has now completed on his proposals for setting up a committee of inquiry at the highest level to investigate every aspect of the foot-and-mouth epidemic which has continued since last October; and whether Members of Parliament will be permitted within the terms of reference to give evidence before the committee.

Mr. Peart:

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Nantwich (Mr. Grant-Ferris) and others.

The Committee of Inquiry will, of course, be free to take evidence from anyone.