§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the widespread fowl pest, he will now consider seeking powers to require the compulsory vaccination of poultry or the reintroduction of subsidised vaccine.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartNo. Compulsory vaccination would be impossible to enforce without a totally disproportionate diversion of manpower. We are not prepared to subsidise the vaccine.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the number and value of poultry affected by fowl pest in Nottinghamshire; what number had been vaccinated; and what action he is taking to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartFowl pest has been confirmed in 42 flocks, comprising a total of 380,081 birds, in Nottinghamshire up to 3rd December. The estimated value of all the birds involved is about £136,000 but only some of these have been affected by the disease. Of the 42 flocks, only five, with some 156,522 birds, had been fully vaccinated. My officers are continuing to do all they can to restrict the spread of the disease and to assist producers with advice on its prevention and control.