HC Deb 20 March 1968 vol 761 cc96-7W
Mr Hooson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the coal tar disinfectants recommended by his Department for use in the foot-and-mouth epidemic, were effective against the foot-and-mouth virus; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

We do riot recommend coal tar disinfectants for use in all circumstances in outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. They are used as general purpose disinfectants. My officers used 4 per cent. sodium carbonate solution or formalin as appropriate in the disinfection of premises and equipment which have been contaminated with the virus.

The whole question of disinfectants is under review and evidence on their place in outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease will be submitted to the Committee of Inquiry.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much compensation had been paid to farmers who suffered in the foot-and-mouth epidemic up to and including 29th February.

Mr. Peart

Compensation paid to farmers in the recent epidemic up to and including 29th February totalled. £26,132,000. This figure includes approximately £100,000 in respect of contaminated carcases, feedingstuffs, milk, etc., seized and destroyed.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, fisheries and Food if, in order to increase the safeguard against another possible outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and pending the report of the Northumberland Committee, he will make it a condition upon importing of beef into Great Britain from countries where footand7MoUth disease is endemic that beef carcases should be boned before shipment to great Britain.

Mr. Peart

I have nothing to add to my statement of 4th March about imports of meat.—[Vol. 760, c. 39–40.]