§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many known cases of hydatidosis in humans there were in each of the years from 1979 to 1988; and if he will make a statement concerning his policy for the eradication of hydatid disease;
(2) if he will make it his policy to introduce a system of free supply of medication for the eradication from dogs of hydatid disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe communicable disease surveillance centre at Colindale has received reports of the following numbers of cases of hydatid disease in humans.
Number 1979 5 1980 6 1981 8 1982 6 1983 22 1984 10 1985 12 1986 26 1987 20 1988 not yet available My Department will co-operate with relevant health authorities to deal with hydatid disease in areas where this poses a risk to human health. I have no plans to introduce an eradication policy for this disease but would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies) on 6 June, column 12–13.