Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to the recent losses incurred by the attacks of warble fly on cattle in Wales; and what steps are being taken to advise about the precautions to be taken.
§ Mr. Godber:I regret that my right hon. Friend has no information on which to base a reliable estimate of the losses caused by warble flies in Wales.
My Department, with the co-operation of local authorities, police forces, the National Farmers' Union, the Milk Marketing Board and the Fatstock Marketing Corporation, has this year again given extensive publicity to the statutory requirement to dress visibly infested cattle. Film shows have been arranged, leaflets and reminders distributed to cattle-owners, posters displayed at markets and publicity given through the B.B.C. and the farming press. In addition, the Ministry's veterinary and advisory staff have been instructed to remind cattle-owners of their obligations when visiting farms.