HC Deb 26 November 1974 vol 882 cc140-1W
Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many counties in Scotland are not brucellosis accredited areas.

Mr. William Ross

About 72 per cent. of the herds in Scotland arc now accredited as brucella-free, but as yet no area has been declared an "attested" area in terms of the statute. I am reviewing progress in the earlier eradication areas with a view to deciding whether any areas should be so declared.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the county of Angus will become a brucellosis eradication area.

Mr. William Ross

I am not yet in a position to say. I shall continue to announce starting dates for new eradication areas as soon as practicable.

Mr. Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to speed up the brucellosis eradication programme in Scotland in order to take advantage of the present surplus capacity in the private veterinary sector.

Mr. William Ross

The programme is already proceeding as fast as our resources will allow. As much use as possible is being made of the services of private veterinary surgeons.