§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications he has received for membership of the brucellosis eradication scheme; how many herds are now accredited; what proportion this represents of the total number of herds and of the total number of cattle; and if he will make a statement on the progress so far.
§ Mr. RossUp to 31st January last 1,889 applications had been received from herd owners in Scotland, representing 4–9 per cent. of the total number of herds in Scotland and 14 per cent. of the total eligible cattle. Three hundred and thirty-four herds, representing 0.87 per cent. of the total number of herds and 2.4 per cent. of the total number of elegibile cattle, are now registered as accredited. Having regard to the interruption to the Scheme caused by the foot-and-mouth epidemic and the difficulties of dealing with the disease I consider that a satisfactory measure of progress is being made.