§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of sheep scab were confirmed during the last 12 months; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe number of outbreaks of sheep scab in Great Britain for the 12 month period ending 31 October 1982 was 59 of which 46 were in England, one was in Wales and 12 were in Scotland. The numbers of outbreaks for the previous 10 years in the corresponding period were as follows:
Outbreaks of sheep scab Year (1 November to 31 October) England Wales Scotland Total 1971–72 — — — — 1972–73 34 1 — 35 1973–74 11 3 — 14 1974–75 30 2 10 42 1975–76 128 1 5 134 1976–77 79 3 — 82 1977–78 43 — 6 49 1978–79 56 — — 56 1979–80 31 — — 31 1980–81 52 11 — 63 The Government's objective is to eradicate sheep scab from this country but this can only be achieved with the 166W full co-operation of the farming community. This year a national compulsory dip was carried out in the summer as recent evidence has indicated that the most effective time to carry out dipping is when the fleece is short. The results of the summer dipping campaign will not be fully known until early spring next year at which time decisions will be taken in relation to dipping arrangements for 1983.