HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc87-8W
Mr. Kelley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the Doncaster Cattle Market has not been used for the sale of store pigs for eight months, due to swine fever restrictions, and that this is causing inconvenience and expense to pig breeders and feeders in the area; when the restriction will be removed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The lengthy restrictions in force in the West Riding of Yorkshire and in a number of other counties were imposed because of the high incidence of swine fever during 1962 and because of the need to reduce this in order that,the slaughter policy, which began two months ago, should have the best prospects of eradicating the disease. Continued outbreaks in the West Riding indicate that infection is still present. It would, therefore, be dangerous to reopen the store markets to pigs which might be incubating the disease, and thus risk its wide dissemination. But all restrictions are kept under constant review and those in the West Riding will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.

Restrictions are currently in force in 30 counties. I recognise the hardships which they cause, particularly when they are of long standing, but I am sure that it would be wrong at this crucial stage to take any risks which might jeopardise the success of the eradication policy.