§ 85. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of fowl pest have been 332W recorded in Wales to date; what precautions are being taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThere have been two outbreaks in Wales this year, both in small flocks in Monmouthshire. Movement restrictions on poultry, eggs and persons on both premises were imposed immediately the disease was confirmed, and poultry farms in the vicinity of the outbreaks were visited to check the health of stock and advise on security and hygiene precautions. Wide publicity has been given to the precautions all poultry keepers should observe.
§ 86. Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will give immediate assistance to those farmers who are in danger of losing the whole of their stocks through fowl pest;
(2) if he will take action as a matter of urgency to bring assistance to those farmers in the constituency of the hon. Member for Heywood and Royton, about whom information has been supplied; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMinistry officials are already doing all they can to restrict the spread of fowl pest and to help producers with advice on the prevention and control of the disease. It would not be right for the Government to go further and assume financial responsibility for the effects of the disease.