§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of anthrax in sheep or cattle have occurred within 50 miles of Gruinard Island off the north-west coast of Scotland; and whether, in view of the deliberate contamination of Gruinard Island, during World War 2, by tests for micro-biological weapons, compensation was paid to the owners.
§ Mr. HoySince 1939, 11 cases of anthrax, all in cattle, have occurred within 50 miles of Gruinard Island, and of these only three cases, which occurred in 1943, could reasonably be attributed to the Gruinard infection.
The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. But I understand that Gruinard Island was requisitioned by the Government in 1942 and purchased from the owner in 1947.