§ Viscount Lambtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how far from the corporation refuse dump in 175W Liverpool, where meat which had become unfit for human consumption was buried, were subsequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease; on what date the burial took place; and what outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease there were within a radius of 25 miles in the three-week period following the burial.
§ Mr. PeartSince the first week in November small quantities of scraps and trimmings of meat which are unfit for human consumption have regularly been buried on a corporation refuse dump in Liverpool. Prior to burial the meat is placed in a plastic bag which is in turn placed in a stronger plastic sack which is then sealed. The method of disposal should present no risk of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The nearest outbreak to the refuse dump occurred seven miles away and very many others have occurred within a 25-mile radius. In no case has there been any evidence to implicate the refuse dump.
§ Dr. John Dunwoodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to prevent the release from cold store of frozen meat imported from the countries to which the temporary arrangements for the suspension of imports announced on 4th December last apply.
§ Mr. PeartThe Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made an Order under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950, prohibiting the removal from storage of all imported meat save that originating in the small number of countries where foot-and-mouth disease is unknown or which have a long history of freedom from the disease. This Order is made in support of the temporary arrangements which I announced on 4th December and its operation will be subject to the review of these arrangements which I intend either after three months, or as the foot-and-mouth disease position permits.