§ 6. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in combating the fowl pest epidemic; how many birds have been destroyed since 1st October, 1959; and what has been the cost to the Exchequer.
§ Mr. John HareThe position in the Midlands is much better and the remaining restrictions in Nottinghamshire were removed on 11th February. It has also been possible to withdraw the restrictions from the Isle of Ely, Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire, but the position is still serious in Norfolk and Suffolk. Infected Area Restrictions were imposed in East Sussex on 28th January and infection has continued to spread within the area, particularly among broiler units.
Between the beginning of October and end of December last nearly 4 million birds had to be slaughtered as a result 132W of outbreaks of fowl pest and about 1 million birds have been destroyed so far this year. Compensation payments made to owners of poultry from the beginning of the current financial year to date amount to about £3,600,000.
§ 39. Mr. Sylvesterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what special instructions have been given to officials of his National Advisory Service to conduct an urgent review of the effects of fowl pest on the poultry industry.
§ Mr. John HareMy Ministry keeps records of the number of outbreaks and of the loss to the industry in terms of numbers of birds slaughtered. Poultry Advisory Officers of the National Agricultural Advisory Service have general instructions to keep the position in their area under review and to give technical help and advice to producers who have suffered loss.