§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the incidence of hyatid disease in Scotland and in the Highland health board area in each of the past five years; and what steps are being taken to eradicate the disease.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe numbers of new cases and individual patients treated each year in hospital for Scotland and the Highland health board area from 1973 to 1977 are as follows:
Scotland Highland Health Board New cases Individual patients New cases Individual patients 1973 … 5 6 2 2 1974 … 8 10 1 1 1975 … 3 4 — — 1976 … 3 4 — — 1977 … 4 5 — — Officers of the State veterinary service have recently issued a leaflet to all sheep-owners in the areas at risk and arranged a series of local meetings to explain how the disease can be prevented.