HC Deb 06 December 1967 vol 755 cc304-5W
74. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that existing safeguards will prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease to Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

I am aware of the tremendous efforts my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and his Department are making to prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease into those areas, including Scotland, which are still fortunately free from it. Otherwise, I have nothing to add to what I said on 29th November in reply to the Private Notice Question by the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) and the supplementary questions put to me by other hon. Members.—[Vol. 755, c. 441–5]

77. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to prevent shooting parties from England shooting over Scotland during the period of foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. Ross

As my right hon. Friend and I have indicated already many times—in reply to Questions in the House and elsewhere—it is in the national interest that non-essential activities of any kind that involve movement over agricultural land should be curtailed. And none should take place without the agreement of the farmer concerned. I cannot too strongly emphasise these warnings. This is the advice my Department has been giving, and I am grateful to the many recreational (and other) organisations that have followed it and publicised it to their members.

Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what precautions have been taken to guard against a spread of foot-and-mouth disease to Scotland.

Mr. Ross

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food imposed controlled area restrictions throughout the whole of Scotland from midnight on Friday, 24th November. This means that no movement of livestock can take place except under licence, store markets are prohibited, and movements of livestock, under licence, are allowed to fatstock markets specifically licensed for that purpose on condition that the animals are moved from the market direct for slaughter within 96 hours. Movements of livestock to and from England are in general prohibited.