§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the powers of local authorities are sufficient to enable them to erradicate brucellosis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossLocal authorities have no responsibility, and, therefore, no powers, for the eradication of brucellosis. I indicated the Government's policy for dealing with this problem in the answers I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd February.—[Vol. 757, c.444–5.]
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§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate a study to inquire why more cases of brucellosis amongst humans in 1967 were diagnosed in the north-east hospital region than in the whole of the rest of Scotland; if he is satisfied that this reflects the true incidence of the disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossSince human brucellosis is difficult to diagnose either by clinical or laboratory methods it would be impossible to obtain exact information about its true incidence. Among the reasons for the relatively high number of reported cases in the north-east of Scotland are the relatively high consumption of raw milk in that area, the number of people in the area engaged in work with cattle, and the special efforts made by local doctors to identify cases.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many blood samples will have to be tested each year under the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme; what is the capacity of veterinary laboratories for this work; if he is satisfied that facilities are adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe number of samples to be tested will depend on how the Scheme progresses. Veterinary laboratory facilities are adequate to cope with present requirements, and the situation will be kept under review.