§ Sir Timothy Kitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of swine vesicular disease were notified to his Department in 1979, 1980 and 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigginA total of 43 outbreaks of swine vesicular disease were confirmed in 1979, 60 in 1980 and seven up to 13 May this year. We are continuing with a comprehensive monitoring programme in the Yorkshire-Lancashire area, where the disease is centred, and the relative decline in the number of cases this year suggests that the campaign is achieving worthwhile results.