§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of sheep scab have been notified in the latest available six-month period; what pattern of disease is indicated by the incidence and location of such cases; and what consideration has been given to a policy of compulsory dipping.
§ Mr. StrangOnly two cases of sheep scab have been confirmed during the last six months and both have occurred in Shropshire. The indications are that these are linked with the last series of outbreaks which occurred in that county during the92W winter of 1973–74. Affected sheep and their contacts are being compulsorily dipped. There are powers to require all sheep to be dipped in a specified area, whether or not they have been in contact with the infestation, but we do not consider that the disease situation warrants this action at the presen time.