49. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to outbreaks of fowl pest, "Newcastle disease," at Bath and in Hertfordshire; if he is aware that this disease is transmitted through the bone formation of dead poultry; what evidence there is to show that the disease has been brought into the country by table poultry imported from parts of Europe and North America where the disease is prevalent; and what steps are being taken to safeguard home poultry flocks.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir. More than 50 outbreaks have occurred in Great Britain in recent months. The cause of the outbreaks has not definitely been established, but the most likely sources of infection are the carcases of poultry imported from countries where the disease is prevalent. Outbreaks here are dealt with as they occur by slaughter in accordance with the provisions of the Fowl Pest Order, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member; and poultry keepers have been strongly advised to boil all foodstuffs which contain poultry waste before feeding to their birds. I am consulting the poultry industry about further measures.