§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the re-introduction of a statutory compulsory treatment period to control sheep scab; and if he will make a statement; [20048]
(2) if he will make a statement on the notifiable status of sheep scab; and what plans he has to change that status; [20051]
(3) if he will make a statement on the control of sheep scab; [20047]
(4) if he will make a statement on the control of sheep scab in areas of concentrated common and unfenced grazing land. [20050]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 12 March 1996]: A public consultation paper was issued by the agriculture departments on 21 December 1995 setting out possible measures to help control sheep scab in Great Britain without detracting from farmers' responsibilities in this area. A copy was placed in the Library of the House.
The paper reflects the Government's latest assessment of the issues. It proposes, among other things, the creation of a criminal offence not to have treated infested sheep with an authorised treatment within a reasonable time of its having become detectable or upon service of a notice by an inspector authorised under the Animal Health Act 1981. The re-introduction of a compulsory treatment period across Great Britain is not, however, proposed.
The paper reiterates the Government's commitment to remove all references to sheep scab in the Animal Health Act 1981, including the requirement to notify the disease. A separate consultation paper will be issued on this specific issue in the spring.
The paper also includes a proposal for a measure to help deal with the particular problem caused by sheep scab in areas of common and unfenced grazing land.
The deadline for comments closed on 1 March 1996. A further round of consultation show follow once the comments received have been evaluated.