§ Mr. Kitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how soon he intends to introduce the pig health scheme announced by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary on 2nd February last; and when he proposes to make a start on eradicating brucellosis.
§ Mr. PeartMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I propose, as a step in our declared policy of promoting preventive veterinary medicine, and as a contribution to the increase in agricultural productivity called for by the National Plan, to intro-238W duce a pig health scheme for herds ranked as "accredited" by the Pig Industry Development Authority. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the scheme will start as soon as possible and discussions are taking place with the industry.
We have also decided to introduce a scheme aiming to eradicate brucellosis over a period of some years. This will not only serve the interests of human and animal health, but will also improve agricultural productivity and enable us to maintain and increase exports of livestock.
The first essential is to build up a register of brucella-free herds on a voluntary basis to provide a reservoir of disease-free replacements. The second stage, which can only be introduced when the voluntary response is large enough. will consist of a plan of eradication, area by area, in which all animals reacting to diagnostic tests will be slaughtered, with payment of compensation. Various aspects of the plan have yet to be discussed with the National Farmers' Unions and other interests concerned, but we intend to make a start as soon as possible.