§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received requesting compulsory dipping against sheep scab ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerOne representation requesting compulsory dipping against sheep scab has been received. The matter has also been discussed at recent meetings of the Hill Farming Advisory Committee and its sub-committee for Wales.
My right hon. Friend's powers to require sheep in specified areas to be dipped against sheep scab were exercised during summer and autumn 1973 as a precaution against spread of the disease from the outbreaks which occurred in January 1973 on the Yorks.-Lanes, border, where sheep were on the open fell.
In the current series of outbreaks, totalling 15 from 20th September 1973 up to 10th January 1974 in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Montgomeryshire, Shropshire, Flintshire and Devon, all the sheep were on enclosed farms. Compulsory dipping of affected sheep and all their contacts has been enforced, but it is not 121W at present considered necessary to require area dipping.
The disease situation is being kept under close review.