asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give an assurance that there is no danger of the spread of brucellosis melitensis to other herds following the disposal of animals from a herd suffering from this disease.

My Ministry has no knowledge of a case where a spread of infection to other herds has occurred. But I am told that in theory this possibility cannot be ruled out.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look very carefully into this matter, having regard to the fact that this disease can bring about undulant fever in human beings and therefore is extremely dangerous?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I have studied this case with the very greatest care. I have considerable sympathy with the owner of this herd.