§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated number of birds slaughtered on account of fowl pest for 1967, 1968, 1969 and the year to date; and what is the latest estimate that has been made of egg production for 1970 and 1971 in the light of the current epidemic.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI have no information on the number of birds slaughtered on account of fowl pest, as compulsory slaughter applies only to the per-acute form of the disease.
Following are the figures for the total number of birds in flocks affected by fowl pest:
1967 788,114 1968 90,772 1969 251,562 To 10th December, 1970 18,065,183 These figures do not, however, reflect the numbers of birds slaughtered, which would undoubtedly be very considerably smaller.
It is not possible at this stage to estimate what the effect of fowl pest on egg production will be in 1970 and 1971. So far, it does not appear to have been significant.