§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of the eradication of warble fly in the United Kingdom; what is his estimate of the number of years by which the eradication of warble fly was set back by the introduction of warbled cattle from France; and what is his estimate of the extra cost incurred to public funds in 1993 by the import of warbled cattle.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Government are committed to maintain the United Kingdom's warble free status. Warble fly was eradicated from the United Kingdom in 1992 but was reintroduced in imported cattle during 1993. The reinfestation from imports is now well under control. Only two compulsory treatment areas have been established this autumn because of warble fly outbreaks and within these areas only five premises remain under movement restrictions pending confirmation of appropriate treatment.
285WThe state veterinary service has provided for increased checks on imported animals, for a number of diseases, within existing manpower levels by adjusting priorities. It is not possible to cost out separately resources expended on checks for warble fly. The cost of warble fly operations within Great Britain for 1993 was approximately £237,000.