HC Deb 17 November 1977 vol 939 cc320-1W
Dr. Phipps

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for speeding up the programme for the eradication of brucellosis and for raising the compensation limits for reactors.

Mr. Strang

On 19th January 1976, as part of a reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the member for Rother Valley (Mr. Hardy), I listed those areas tentatively scheduled for compulsory eradication to begin on 1st November 1978. This list has already been amended by the bringing forward to earlier commencement dates of some of the areas included in it. Following a review of the progress of the compulsory eradication programme, we have now decided that the commencement date for Avon and Southern Gloucestershire should be brought forward from 1st November 1979 to 1st November 1978. This means that the actual list of areas in which compulsory eradication will begin on 1st November 1978 is as follows:

  • Cleveland
  • Greater Manchester
  • Nottinghamshire
  • Gloucestershire
  • Avon
  • Remainder of Hereford and Worcester
  • Remainder of Merseyside
  • Remainder of North Yorkshire, and
  • The Boothferry District of Humberside.

Proposals for Community assistance for the accelerated eradication of certain cattle diseases are now at an advanced stage of discussion in Brussels. Assuming the proposals are adopted, the United Kingdom Government intend to submit a plan for the accelerated eradiation of brucellosis which would bring forward the commencement date for the last areas of the country to 1st November 1979. As part of the plan, we shall be proposing the commencement of eradication on 1st November 1978 in one or two areas additional to those listed above. But it is likely to be a few months before it is known that such a plan can be implemented.

A new method of fixing the maximum compensation payable in respect of reactors to the brucellosis and tuberculosis tests is under consideration. At present, there are fixed maxima of £400 for brucellosis reactors—except those in accredited herds—and £300 for brucellosis reactors in accredited herds and for tuberculosis reactors. The proposal under consideration is that these limits be adjusted monthly according to an automatic formula based on average market prices. As an interim measure, it has been decided to increase the limits to £456—instead of £400—and £342—instead of £300—and my right hon. Friends the Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland will shortly be laying orders to this effect before Parliament.