HC Deb 14 July 1955 vol 543 cc201-2W
77. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made this year in the campaign against the warble fly; and how far the results of the pilot experiment in the Isle of Wight indicate that the examination of all beasts in an area so that none affected escape dressing would be justified elsewhere.

Mr. Nugent

It is too early as yet to assess the results of this year's dressing campaign. The experiment being carried out in the Isle of Wight shows clearly that the regular annual dressing of cattle under exceptionally favourable conditions greatly reduces the incidence of warble fly infestation. The lesson learnt from the experiment is that if cattle everywhere were given efficient and regular dressings at the proper time, infestation would be quickly reduced if not eliminated. To ensure that the requirements of the Order are fully observed throughout the country would involve the inspection of all cattle during a period of three and a half months, the cost of which would be prohibitive. I am writing more fully to my hon. Friend.