HC Deb 09 December 1976 vol 922 cc329-30W
28. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Minister of Agricultunre, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of sheep scab were confirmed in the United Kingdom during the last 10 months; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

of the Farm Management Survey in England and Wales and the average results for the most the most recent five years for which complete data are available are as follows:

Mr. Strang

There were 57 outbreaks during the 10 months ended 8th December. There were no outbreaks in 1967 and 1968; five in 1969; 11 in 1970; none in 1971; one in 1972; 43 in 1973; 18 in 1974; 104 in 1975 and 92 so far in 1976. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 2nd December—[Vol. 921, c.237.]—we are now assessing this year's compulsory dipping campaign in consultation with the farmers' unions.