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Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Answer

Mr. Flynn: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken to reduce the spread of future outbreaks of foot and mouth disease that may occur after the present outbreak. [159955] Ms Quin: [holding answer 1 May 2001]: The statement by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 26 April 2001, Official Report, columns 456-73, updated the House on a number of actions taken following an initial assessment of the origins and spread of the disease. The consultation on the proposed ban on pig swill closed on 10 April. 150 responses were received, almost all of which favoured a ban. A number of detailed issues were raised which are being considered urgently and an announcement on this is expected shortly. A large number of comments has been received on a proposed 20 day standstill period, after movements on farm, for sheep, goats and cattle. Because of the considerable interest in this issue, it has been decided to extend the consultation period for a further month from the initial deadline of 11 May. The cross- departmental examination of the controls on commercial and personal imports of meat and meat products is under way and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

368 c245W; 159955

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Enforcement Disease control Foot and mouth disease Livestock Transport

Link

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