§ Dr. John Dunwoodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made on the Brucellosis (Accredited Herds) Scheme.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesSince the Scheme began in April, 1967 and up to the end of November we had received some 11,900 applications. Of these about 3,000 were rejected or withdrawn; 6,300 herds were still passnig through the testing process; and 2,570 herds had been entered on the Register. In view of the set-back resulting from foot-and-mouth epidemic, the other heavy demands on veterinary staff and the difficulties of dealing with this disease, we regard this as a good measure of progress.
I have now decided to waive the charge for work carried out at my Ministry's laboratories in connection with tests undertaken as from 15th January, 1969 by an owner's private veterinary surgeon when a herd fails the qualifying test under the Scheme. My right hon. Friend is making similar arrangements for Scotland. This would relieve the burden at present falling upon herd owners when reactors occur during the Scheme's qualifying stages. It should encourage them to persevere with their applications.
We shall continue to keep the Scheme under review to ensure that a satisfactory rate of progress is maintained.