Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Thursday, 10 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement on the reliability of the different kinds of test for foot and mouth disease carried out at his Department's laboratories at Purbright.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the reliability of the different kinds of test for foot and mouth disease carried out at his Department's laboratories at Pirbright. [160742] Ms Quin: The Foot and Mouth Laboratory at Pirbright is the FAO/OIE nominated World Reference Laboratory for foot and mouth disease. They employ a number of diagnostic methods. We are confident that they provide the best possible scientific advice on the disease.

Secondary information