§ 68. Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the concern of cattle breeders in areas in which foot-and-mouth disease restrictions have led to suspension of the artificial insemination service; and whether, in view of the long term consequences of this suspension on meat and milk production, he will review the ban on artificial insemination within the 15-mile area.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am well aware of and much regret the difficulties caused by the interruption of the artificial insemination service as a result of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The restrictions imposed are kept continuously under review in each infected area and the 109W service is resumed as soon as it is considered safe to do so. I am sure that it would not be in the best interests of milk or meat production to resume it prematurely.
§ 74. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to encourage the vaccination of cattle as a protection against foot-and-mouth disease.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 1st May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Barkston Ash (Sir L. Ropner), and to my hon. Friends the Members for Dorset, North (Mr. Crouch) and Norfolk, Central (Mr. Gooch).
§ 75. Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Agriculture what general instructions and guidance have been sent out in the shape of posters or leaflets to farmers and the general public on the subject of foot-and-mouth disease since the outbreak of the current epidemic in November.
§ Sir T. DugdaleLeaflets and posters containing advice about the symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease and the precautions to he taken have been distributed by my veterinary staff in all infected areas, and leaflets are supplied to anyone on request. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the leaflets and posters, and will arrange for copies to be placed in the Library. In addition, a number of notices containing advice to farmers and the general public have been issued to the Press and broadcast by the B.B.C. I am considering what future arrangements for publicity can usefully be made.