Written question asked by Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list units in the armed forces on standby, as a result of a request from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to deal with foot and mouth. - Inc ref to 23 March 2001, 365 c365-6W.

Answer: Mr. Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list units in the armed forces on standby, as a result of a request from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to deal with foot and mouth. [155599] Mr. Spellar: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. and learned Member for Aberavon (Sir J. Morris) on 23 March 2001, Official Report, columns 365-66W. In addition, at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Joint Headquarters have been established at MAFF HQ in London and at MAFF regional offices. The role of these Headquarters is to co-ordinate logistic and other support to MAFF, drawn from appropriate civil and military resources. The Ministry of Defence is playing an important role in these Headquarters. Teams of armed forces personnel are also helping to co-ordinate the administration of slaughter, and the transport and disposal of carcases in affected areas. Other forces are on standby in case gaps are revealed. The armed forces contribution to the operation is being directed by Land Command under Commander in Chief Land.

Secondary information