HC Deb 17 March 1958 vol 584 cc99-100W
Sir A. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement explaining the further experimental work which has been done on the alternative method of using a spray instead of dipping sheep, to prevent sheep scab.

Mr. John Hare

Evidence has shown that thorough wetting of the skin is essention for the destruction of the parasites which cause sheep scab. Spraying is not a satisfactory alternative to dipping for this purpose because of the difficulty of treating unshorn sheep. No experiments have recently been undertaken in this country.

Sir A. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to the experience gained in Australia with regard to the spraying of sheep rather than dipping; and if he will publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT or circulate it to the appropriate authorities so that it can be widely read by farmers.

Mr. John Hare

We have full information about Australian experience of the control of parasitic mites other than sheep scab. This coincides with our own experience and I do not therefore feel that the work of summarising it for publication or circulation would be justified.