HC Deb 13 February 1968 vol 758 cc304-5W
Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of brucellosis in human beings; and what information he has about its present incidence.

Mr. Snow:

Incidence can most effectively be reduced by heat treatment of milk and 96 per cent. of all milk sold by retail in England and Wales is so treated. There should also be routine examination of untreated milk, and on this my right hon. Friend issued a circular of guidance for Medical Officers of Health in October, 1966. In addition a cattle population should be built up as far as possible free from the disease; this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food.

With regard to the incidence of the disease I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply on 2nd February to the hon. Member for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith). —[Vol. 757, c.428.]