asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the measures being taken to contain the outbreak of fowlpest in Northern Ireland.

All birds on infected premises are slaughtered, and carcasses, eggs, feeding stuffs and manure are either buried or burned. Thorough cleansing and disinfection are carried out and adjoining farms are put under strict movement control and veterinary supervision. In addition, a policy of ring vaccination around infected farms was introduced on 29th November and further movement controls were imposed.

I thank my hon. Friend for that information. What effect is this serious outbreak likely to have on Christmas supplies and prices in Northern Ireland?

I do not think that it will have much effect. We must get the figures correct. Out of about 13 million birds, only 260,000 are infected, so there will not be the serious effect that my hon. Friend might imagine.

Is there any suspicion that this disease has been spread deliberately? Will my hon. Friend inquire into that possibility?

The source of infection is not known. My hon. Friend suggests that it may have been deliberate. That might be one of many reasons, but investigations are continuing and we shall get to the bottom of this outbreak.

Is the Minister aware that his hon. Friend the Minister of State told a deputation about this matter from North and South Antrim that forensic inquiries were proceeding. Has there been any outcome to those inquiries?

No, there has been no outcome to the inquiries but we are looking into this matter most carefully because we have to find the reason why it spread so rapidly and why it was so virulent.