§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will specify the areas in England where cattle are affected by fluorosis; and what steps the Government are taking to meet the problem;
(2) if he will state the steps farmers may take to avoid fluorosis in cattle; and whether compensation is available to recompense farmers against loss;
(3) whether fluorosis affects the quality of meat and the marketability of cattle.
§ Mrs. FennerIndustrial fluorosis of cattle now occurs chiefly in brickmaking areas, particularly in those parts of Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire and Buckinghamshire where this industry is concentrated. My Department carried out extensive surveys into the problem during 1953–61, and detailed reports of the findings were published. The surveys indicated that, except at very high levels, there is no adverse effect on milk production, reproduction, or the general health of cattle. Lameness is, however, one of the main risks, and areas of heavy herbage contamination are not suitable for cattle farming.
The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service investigates all cases reported to it and offers advice when requested including advice on the appropriate farming system to adopt to eliminate or mitigate the problem.
No compensation is payable by my Department to farmers for losses caused by fluorosis. This would be a matter for settlement between the farmer and the industrial undertaking concerned.
Fluorosis does not affect the quality of meat, but lameness may reduce the marketability of affected animals.