§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will re-consider his plans to close the Lincoln veterinary investigation centre, in the light of the suspected outbreak of blue-eared pig disease in the area.
§ Mr. MacleanAs blue-eared pig disease is now a notifiable disease the responsibility for action rests with the veterinary field service operating through the divisional veterinary officer. Suspected disease should be reported to divisional veterinary officers and the necessary on-farm investigations and inquiries are carried out by the divisional veterinary officers and their veterinary staff. Samples taken at these visits are sent to the central veterinary laboratory, Weybridge for examination.
The proposed closure of the Lincoln veterinary investigation centre will not, therefore, affect the situation in the Humberside area.