§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many deaths of pigs in 1988 at Singrett farm, Llay, have been ascribed to anthrax; how many deaths were ascribed to matters other than anthrax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo deaths in 1988 at Singrett Farm, Llay, were ascribed to anthrax. It has not been possible to ascertain how many deaths were due to other causes but the mortality rate was well within the range experienced in other well-run units.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he took consequent upon the outbreak of anthrax at Singrett farm, Llay in April to establish the cause of previous deaths in 1989 at that farm; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerPrior to the outbreak of anthrax at Singrett farm, Llay on 19 April, 13 sows and gilts had died during 1989. Anthrax was not suspected in any except one which died on 9 April, for which tests proved negative.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the production of vaccine in Britain was begun to combat the anthrax outbreak at Llay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerProduction of an emergency supply of vaccine to deal with the outbreak of anthrax at Llay began on 10 July 1989 at the MAFF central veterinary laboratory, Weybridge.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will establish a public inquiry into the 1989 anthrax outbreak in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what review he will undertake of(a) the anthrax regulations and (b) the Medicines Act consequent upon the current year's outbreak of anthrax in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe decision to slaughter and offer compensation was taken on animal welfare grounds not because of any deficiency in the Anthrax Order 1938.