"Repatriation would not be moral absolution, if someone came back it wouldn't prevent them from potentially being prosecuted for what they've done," he said.

The justice secretary said this had prevented the penal system from reaching maximum capacity, and "a total breakdown of law and order".

Restrictions have been implemented to stop the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure to prevent any further spread of the disease.

State price-gouging rules are supposed to prevent such situations, but Gross said more must be done to ensure enforcement.

But his plans to buy pouches for schools to prevent mobile phones being used had faced criticism.