§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many countries are banning the export of sheep from the United Kingdom on account of the prevalence of sheep scab.
§ Mr. StrangNone, though special arrangements have been worked out for sheep exports to the Benelux countries.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current incidence of sheep scab and the success of measures hitherto undertaken to combat it.
§ Mr. StrangSince 1st July 1975 there have been 146 outbreaks of sheep scab, of which 55 have occurred since 1st January. Only eight have occurred so far in March. Although our measures are now beginning to bite, their full impact will not be felt until the autumn when compulsory dipping will be required throughout the whole of Great Britain.