§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken in the endeavour to control infection spreading from the Continent of foot-and-mouth disease.
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§ Mr. John HareCollaboration between European countries is maintained through the Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease set up by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and also the International Office of Epizootics in Paris. The United Kingdom plays a full part in the deliberations of both bodies. Any steps designed to reduce the weight of infection on the Continent lessen the risk of spread to this country. Measures taken here include the prohibition or regulation of the import of live animals, meat and other animal products, hay and straw, and therapeutic substances. The disposal of hay and straw used in packing imported goods, and of imported meat wrappers and containers, is also regulated. Reminders are given to farmers of the special need to be on the alert for the arrival of the virus from the Continent through factors that are in themselves uncontrollable, such as bird or wind-borne infection.