§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends 464W to make sure that the compulsory dipping arrangements against sheep scab which he announced on 3rd March 1976, are carried out; whether he intends the police to enforce the programme; what consultation he has had with police authorities to ensure that they are able to enforce the programme; and whether the new regulations will require an Order to be laid before the House.
§ Mr. StrangThe dipping of sheep against sheep scab between mid-August and mid-November will be made compulsory throughout Great Britain under existing legislation. This provides for checks on dipping—by supervision and by written declaration—and for penalties for failing to dip. Local authorities, through their diseases of animals inspectors, are the enforcing authorities; in some areas they continue to receive assistance from the police.
The compulsory dipping arrangements are the outcome of extensive consultations with the farmers' unions, local authority associations and other interests; we have their strong support. Co-operation at local level is vital, and with this in mind we plan to set up local co-ordinating committees so that all local interests can contribute towards the success of the operation.
A proposal for pre-market dipping of store sheep between 1st July and 15th August, which we are now examining, would require a minor amendment to the Sheep Scab Orders.