HC Deb 04 October 1938 vol 339 cc166-8W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many prosecutions have been taken in Scotland for contraventions of the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order, 1936, during each year since it came into force; in what counties were the prosecutions and how many in each; what convictions were obtained; and in what counties?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

Particulars of the prosecutions undertaken in Scotland for contraventions of the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order of 1936 since the Order came into force are as follow:

1936—No prosecutions.
1937.
County. Number of Prosecutions. Number of Convictions.
Aberdeen 2 2 Fines—£8 and £5.
1938.
County. Number of Prosecutions. Number of Convictions.
Aberdeen 6 6 Fines—£5, £3, £2, £1 10s., £1 and £1.
Banff 1 1 Fine—£4.
Kirkcudbright 3 2 Fines of 5s. or 5 days, and 5s.
1 Admonished.
10 10

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are taken to inspect, for warble-fly infection, cattle imported into Scotland at the ports of entry; and whether he has any proposals to make with a view to securing greater efficiency in this matter?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

All imported cattle are examined at the port of entry by veterinary inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The reports of the inspectors show that on the whole there is some reduction this year in the extent of warble infestation amongst imported cattle. About 50 per cent, of the infested animals show evidence of having been treated. Consideration will be given in due course, in consultation with the appropriate Departments in Ireland, to the question whether any action can be taken to secure further improvement in this matter.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements are in force for the inspection of cattle in Scotland with a view to ascertaining to what extent, and with what effect, the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order, 1936, is being observed; how many officers are engaged in this work, and over what part of the year and what part of Scotland are they engaged?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The enforcement of the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order of 1936 is a duty of the local authorities, that is, as regards Scotland, the county or burgh councils concerned, who have appointed the police as inspectors for this and other purposes of the Diseases of Animals Acts. General observation of the working of the Order in each county is also kept by the Ministry's veterinary officers as opportunities occur in connection with routine and other inspections of cattle. Information as to the precise number of officers engaged in these duties is not available. The duties in this respect extend from March to June inclusive, which is the period of the monthly dressing of cattle prescribed by the Order.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order, 1936, is out of print and is not obtainable at His Majesty's Stationery Office, Edinburgh; and when it is proposed to make copies available?

Captain Wallace

The Order referred to by the hon. and learned Member has not been out of print, and I have ascertained that copies are available at His Majesty's Stationery Office Sale Office in Edinburgh.