asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps designed to keep off common land animals from any farm which has not been tested under the Brucellosis Scheme; and, in view of the dangers arising from such a practice, if he will make a statement.
Except in compulsory eradication areas my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has no powers to require cattle from farms which have not been tested for brucellosis to be kept off common land. In an area which is not subject to compulsory eradication measures for brucellosis an owner whose cattle use common land is not eligible to join the voluntary Brucellosis Incentives Scheme unless either he undertakes not to put his cattle on the common land or all other owners whose animals use the land also join the scheme.In an area which is subject to compulsory eradication measures all cattle are tested for brucellosis and reactors and contact stock are slaughtered. The problem of unaccredited cattle using common land will, therefore, diminish with the extension of compulsory eradication to all areas of the country.