More Information Sought On TB Tests Of Cattle

Press, Volume C, Issue 29679, 24 November 1961, Page 14

More Information Sought On TB Tests Of Cattle

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON Nov 23 Reliance could be placed on 'he tests being used to find reactors m dairy herds, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Hayman) during discussion on the Supplementary Estimates in the House of Representatives tonight. The Deputy-Leader of the Opposition (Mr Skinner) said £330,000 had been voted for the testing of factory supply herd* but this had been reduced bj £lBo,ooo—the amount for compensation for condergned stock to be paid to owners The actual increase was only £145,000. “That is good as far as it goes, but it does not go tar enough," said Mr Skinner. The Department of Agriculture had instructed its officers not to proceed with the voluntary testing scheme, he said Farmers wanted to know more about the results of tests being carried out at Flock House Confidence should be restored in the short thermal test as when there were no visible lesions found in a slaughtered reactor owners lost confidence in the ’est "I think the test is quite satisfactory but information must be made available to the industry so that confidence can be restored," said Mr Skinner

Mr Hayman said reliance could be placed in the tests. He agreed there had been a delay in the voluntary testing scheme. The Government had agreed to the compulsory scheme in principle, and. in view of th. dairy industry's statement that considerable saving* could be made, the Government agreed to its early introduction. There had been some misunderstanding as to how

the cheme was to be implemented. and it had been decided to provide £275.000 this year. Mr Hayman said the department realised the voluntary testing scheme would have to be slowed down or stopped, and it was alarmed because some farmers had bred extra stock to start this year.

Mr Hayman said he had immediate.y explained the loss facing those who had bred replacements for animals condemned in their herds, and the Government had agreed it would be reasonable to reinstate the voluntary scheme. The £330,000 provided this year would allow compulsory testing to start and voluntary testing to continue where it was considered desirable. “The Government was quite disturbed when the amount on the main estimate of £135.000 was almost used up in the first three months of the season. I think no harm has come from the readjustment of the scheme.” ■aid Mr Hayman Half as much again would be required to carry on with the scheme next year, he said