HC Deb 29 May 1968 vol 765 c233W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has ascertained from the Fatstock Marketing Corporation precisely when the consignment of lambs suspected as being the cause of the initial outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease arrived at Wrexham Abattoir; and when these inquiries were first made.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The report by my Chief Veterinary Officer on the origin of the 1967–68 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic (Cmnd. 3560) recorded that these carcases (which were not, of course, imported by the Fatstock Marketing Corporation) arrived at Wrexham Abattoir on 25th August, 1967. This date was confirmed in the reply given to the honourable Member by my right hon. Friend on 14th March. Inquiries were first made at this Abattoir on 30th November, 1967, when F.M.C. Wrexham provided full information of their receipts and deliveries of South American meat. —[Vol. 760, c.358.]

Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food where the labels from the consignment of lambs which arrived at Wrexham Abattoir on the evening of 24th August, 1967, are now retained; and whether they will be produced to the Northumberland Committee.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

All the meat had left the Wrexham Abattoir by 27th November before the first inquiries were made, and therefore no labels were available.