§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of scab were confirmed in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, during 1953 to 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangOutbreaks of sheep scab in Great Britain were confirmed as follows:
England Scotland Wales 1953 to 1972 Nil Nil Nil 1973 38 Nil 4 1974 9 7 1 1975—to 4th December 1975 59 3 1 During 1975, the compulsory dipping of all sheep, coupled with movement restrictions, was imposed in parts of the South West and the West Midlands of England: and from 3rd December movement restrictions were imposed on an area consisting of 16 English counties with Humberside and South Yorkshire in the north and with Avon, Gloucestershire and Berkshire in the south. In consultations with the farmers' unions, local authority associations and other interests, urgent consideration is being given to more extensive measures which may be necessary to eradicate the disease.