§ 82. Mr. Templeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, whether a departmental study of all aspects of disinfectants used to combat foot-and-mouth disease has been carried out since the close of the epidemic of 1967–68 and what are his intentions regarding fresh advice to farmers and alterations to existing regulations.
§ Mr. John MackieThese questions have been studied and my Department is currently having discussions with representatives of the manufacturers and others concerned on proposed new arrangements for approving disinfectants under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950. The discussions include consideration of new tests that have been devised for checking efficacy.
We shall, when these discussions are completed, be making a new Order and appropriate advice will be given to farmers.
§ 83. Mr. Templeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what instructions he has issued within his Department and in conjunction with other departments for improved liaison of public authorities and a better system of communications in the field in the event of another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, pending the publication of the full report from the Committee of Inquiry under the chairmanship of the Duke of Northumberland.
§ Mr. John MackieThe history of the epidemic has been studied and pending the report of the Northumberland Committee some revisions in the instructions to our field staff have been made. Dis-32W cussions have been held with the Milk Marketing Board and others about liaison and communications in the event of another outbreak.