asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he will not amend the sheep dipping regulations.

assume that the hon. Member has in mind the question of amending the Sheep Scab Order 1938 to permit the use of sheep showers as a method of treatment for the purposes of the order.On present evidence, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State are not satisfied that the sheep showers currently available are effective against sheep scab. There will, however, be further long-term investigations into the possibility of developing methods other than immersion dipping for controlling sheep scab. These investigations will include work on showering techniques.