HC Deb 28 November 1967 vol 755 cc69-71W
102. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ban imports of fresh meat from the Argentine unless it is imperative that such meat should be imported after next week to safeguard Great Britain's food supply; and if he will ensure that all future shipments of such meat undergo a cooking process to make it virus-free.

Mr. Peart

I am examining the question of imports of meat in relation to foot-and-mouth disease and will make a statement as soon as possible.

103. Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has tendered to the organisers of the Smithfield Show with regard to cancelling the event completely, in view of the risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease to further parts of the country.

Mr. Peart

The organisers have told me that, with the cancellation of the livestock and carcase exhibits, the show this year is primarily a machinery show for overseas buyers. I consider that it would be unnecessary and undesirable to cancel completely a show which results in large export orders. I join with the President of the National Farmers' Union in calling on farmers throughout the country and all persons from the infected areas to stay away from the show.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to operate a scheme of vaccination of all cloven footed animals and disinfection of infecting agents in a broad swathe around the infected districts so as to operate a cordon sanitaire in seeking to prevent a further spreading of foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. Peart

It is my intention to eradicate the disease by slaughter. I have arranged for a supply of vaccine to be available for a vaccination programme as a second line of defence should this become inevitable.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a working party to examine the possibility of cancelling all further imports of beef from the Argentine or any other country which is not generally free from foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. Peart

I am examining the question of imports of meat in relation to foot-and-mouth disease and will make a statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Thornton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has not made arrangements for the supply of vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. Peart

I have, in fact, arranged for a sufficient supply of vaccine to be acquired and stored in this country to enable a vaccination programme to be adopted as a second line of defence should this become inevitable. I have taken this step purely as a precaution. I am still convinced on the basis of the advice of my professional staff—the best in the world—that the slaughter policy is in the best interests of the country and we shall do everything possible to eradicate the present epidemic by this means. There is no question, at present, of any change in policy.