HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 cc281-2W
Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications he has now received for membership of the brucellosis eradication scheme; how many herds are now accredited; what proportion this represents of the total number of herds; if he will give separaate figures for dairy and for beef herds; and if he will make a statement on the progress of the schemes.

Mr. Ross

Up to 30th June, 1969 the figures are as follows:

Beef Dairy Mixed Total
Applications 1,426 1,242 233 2,901
Withdrawn or rejected 223 313 63 599
Accredited 186 461 35 682
Accredited as percentage of total herds 0.6 7.2 5.3 1.6

The herds at present in the scheme represent about 6.2 per cent. of the total herds and about 16.2 per cent. of the total eligible cattle in Scotland. Progress is being maintained.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he has completed his consultations regarding the proposals of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board to deal with the problem of cattle that are carriers of brucellosis; and what plans he has to introduce legislation to control the disposal of such carriers.

Mr. Ross

I understand that consultations are taking place between the Farmers Unions and Milk Boards of Great Britain as a preliminary to an approach to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and me on the subject of such cattle.

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