§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her reply of 6 December,Official Report, column 262, if she will make a statement on her meeting of 9 December with representatives of the equine industry; and what action has been taken and will be taken by her Department to combat and eliminate equine viral arteritis.
§ Mr. SoamesI had a useful discussion on 9 December with representatives of the equine industry on possible ways of providing horse owners with increased protection from infection with equine viral arteritis, particularly from "carrier" stallions. I undertook to prepare proposals for further consultation with the industry, while making it clear that the Government cannot undertake any liability for compensation in connection with this disease.