§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what precautions are taken to ensure that sheep imported into Great Britain do not carry scab; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangAll sheep imported into Great Britain are subject to a clinical examination by a veterinary surgeon of the country of export to ascertain that the sheep are healthy and free of diseases. Sheep imported from countries where there is a risk of sheep scab are also required to be dipped either shortly before importation or immediately following importation and before release from our import controls.
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§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many cases of scab have been confirmed in England during the last two years; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many cases of scab have been confirmed in Scotland during the last two years; and if he will make a statement;
(3) how many cases of scab have been confirmed in Wales during the last two years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangThe number of cases of sheep scab confirmed is as follows:
England Wales Scotland 1974 9 1 7 1975 97 2 4 1976 (up to 3rd May) 56 — 4 We are determined that sheep scab shall again be eradicated. As already announced, the compulsory dipping of sheep will be required throughout Great Britain between 16th August and 13th November. In addition, sheep taken to market during this period, unless for immediate slaughter, must have been dipped within the preceding 56 days. Statutory powers have also been taken to enable the pre-market dipping requirement to be imposed during the period 1st July to 15th August. By this means all the major sheep sales this year will be covered.