Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 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, what assessment he has made of the likely impact of foot and mouth on the number of farms likely to remain in business in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of foot and mouth on the number of farms likely to remain in business in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [158720] Ms Quin: Foot and mouth is having a considerable impact on farming and a range of industries throughout the UK. It is still too early to make a reliable estimate of the overall effect and therefore it is not possible to make an assessment of the number of farm businesses which will cease trading as a result of the disease.

Secondary information