§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to counter blue ear disease in pigs.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Blue Eared Pig Disease Order 1991 was revoked in November 1992, in line with an EC decision which made it clear that official control measures had become inappropriate and unnecessary. The disease was considered by veterinary experts to be of less economic significance than was orginally thought and had become milder in its effects. The United Kingdom pig industry was subsequently provided with advice which included recommended disease control measures and guidance on steps to take to deal with an outbreak. I am arranging for copies of the advice note prepared for farmers to be left in the House of Commons Library.