asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the source of infection resulting in an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Devon has been ascertained; and whether the progress of the disease has been arrested?

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on premises at Chudleigh was confirmed on 20th November and the existence of the disease on premises adjoining was confirmed on 24th November. The source of infection in the original outbreak has not been ascertained, but certain factors involved are still being investigated. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid it is not possible at this stage to express any view as to the further spread of the disease.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the dictum of the Agricultural Research Council that this disease may come into the country through infected carcases?

Oh, yes. There is no doubt of that possibility.

Are the Government taking steps to see that infected carcases shall not come into the country?

The attention of importers has been drawn to the dangers that infection coming to this country may cause to stock breeders and farmers. In any case, there are very large imports of meat coming into this country, and it would be quite impossible to stop them all.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps not merely to ask importers, but to stop infection by excluding diseased carcases from this country?

I should be very glad to do so if there were any practicable way of doing it without causing an enormous amount of injury to widespread interests in this country, including those of the consumers of meat.

Does the Minister consider that adequate means are at his disposal for stopping the risk of importing diseased carcases, or would he like wider powers?

I am sorry that we have not adequate means, and I cannot at the moment recommend any further means with which I should like the House to endow me. If I can think of any, I shall certainly bring the matter forward.