Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 16 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 30 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Friday, 30 March 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 request the suspension of non-essential maintenance work by utility companies which involves work on farm land during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request the suspension of non-essential maintenance work by utility companies which involves work on farm land during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [154789] Ms Quin: The utility companies have suspended non essential work within foot and mouth infected areas. Advice and precautions to be exercised by people working in the countryside has been posted on MAFF's website www.maff.gov.uk. Central to this advice is that people should follow strict cleansing procedures which would include leaving vehicles outside the farm, disinfecting boots and wearing boots or clothing supplied by the farm. People working in the countryside should ensure that all mud, slurry and manure is washed off before they leave the premises. It is essential that all visits to farms and possible contacts with animals are recorded. The records should include the date and time of the visit. Should disease occur on a farm then these records will be used to trace movements and possible spread of the disease.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 154789; 365 c807W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disease control Foot and mouth disease Utilities Repairs and maintenance Rural areas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk