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Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Answer

Mr. Webb: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will issue guidelines to his Department's staff, dealing with foot and mouth disease in the areas affected, to ensure that neighbouring residents are informed if slaughtered carcases are to be burned near their homes. [157373] Ms Quin: [holding answer 6 April 2001]: Methods for informing residents of burning sites in the neighbourhood are decided at a local level, and will include mail shots, consultation with relevant organisations and publicity through local press. Safeguarding public health is the Government's over- riding priority in handling the foot and mouth outbreak. The Department of Health has published detailed guidance on the disposal of carcases together with advice about the public health aspects of disposal, including burning. All fires are being constructed following special guidance from the Government to minimise public health risks. As with any fire, however, smoke contains pollutants that will stay in the air for a short time. Local residents are therefore advised to avoid sustained exposure within the vicinity of pyres.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

368 c233W; 157373

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Disclosure of information Environmental health Disease control Foot and mouth disease Pollution Publicity Waste disposal

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk