§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from local authorities requesting financial assistance in preparing local rabies outbreak contingency plans; and what replies he has made.
§ Mr. StrangVery few local authorities have made direct representations on this matter, but during recent consultations on anti-rabies contingency planning the local authority associations stressed the current financial difficulties of their members and836W said that any central Government assistance would be welcome.
Under the Local Government Act 1972 the expenditure of local authorities on diseases of animals work is met from the rates and is taken into account for rate support grant purposes in the normal way. Expenditure on anti-rabies contingency planning must be contained within the overall limits of local authority finance.
Local authorities have been advised to confine the purchase of essential equipment to that which will not be immediately available in an emergency, and to share with neighbouring authorities. The Ministry also is building up a central stock of certain items and will review the 837W situation, both at central and local levels, from time to time.
§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the co-operation on a regional basis of authorities responsible for anti-rabies precautions.
§ Mr. StrangLocal authorities have been recommended, through their associations, to form area or regional pools for anti-rabies equipment. Co-operation between neighbouring local authorities and other bodies involved in rabies outbreak control is being continuously stressed. My Department's regional veterinary officers will shortly be holding co-ordinating meetings with all the appropriate authorities and organisations at regional level.