HC Deb 11 December 1968 vol 775 cc153-4W
108. Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the concern of farmers in Cheshire, he will issue temporary revised instructions about humane killing, the distribution of an effective disinfectant and the prohibition of nearby animal sales; and if he will appoint an overall director of operations in the event of a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. John Mackie

General revised instructions to veterinary officers have already been issued. These include revised instructions on humane killing issued in 1967 as a result of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Northumberland in 1966.

It has not yet been possible to make a full revision of the Disinfectants Order, but my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement about this shortly.

Existing regulations prohibit sales of susceptible animals near infected premises and no revision is necessary.

A Senior Veterinary Officer is always in control of a series of outbreaks of the disease, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to change these arrangements whilst the Northumberland Committee are inquiring into foot-and-mouth disease policy generally.