HC Deb 12 February 1975 vol 886 cc153-4W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to deal with the outbreak of sheep scab in the South-West of England.

Mr. Strang

Since December 1973, four outbreaks of sheep scab have been confirmed in Devon, two in recent months. In all these cases affected sheep and their contacts have been compulsorily dipped and maintained in isolation until free of the disease.

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reintroduce compulsory dipping for sheep scab.

Mr. Strang

Individual notices imposing compulsory dipping have been served on the infected farms and on all premises containing sheep in the vicinity of those farms. There are powers to require all sheep to be dipped in a specified area, whether or not they have been in contact with the infestation, but the disease situation does not warrant such action at the present time.