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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Sir John Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what troops and equipment he has available for assisting in the destruction of animals infected with foot and mouth and the containment of the disease. [155041] Mr. Spellar: The armed forces are supporting the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by co-ordinating the disposal of carcases in areas worst hit by the outbreak, and in providing a small number of vets and logistic support at MAFF HQ. Although the situation is being constantly monitored and necessary adjustments made, the details, as of midday 22 March, are as follows: Four vets from the Royal Army Veterinary Service are assisting, with one located in the MAFF headquarters in London, and the other three deployed as required. One logistics liaison officer, based in MAFF headquarters in London is to provide advice and help co-ordinate logistics support. Thirty Royal Military Police personnel have deployed to Exeter to form a headquarters, from where they will provide a command and control function for mobile teams engaged in the co-ordination of disposal in Devon. There are 15 such mobile teams comprising a further 30 personnel from the Royal Military Police. Thirty personnel of the Prince of Wales' Own Regiment have deployed to Carlisle, from where they will provide a command and control function for mobile teams engaged in the co-ordination of disposal in Cumbria. There are 20 such teams, comprising a further 40 personnel drawn principally from 42(NW) Brigade. The Green Howards have deployed to Worcester to form a headquarters from where they will provide a command and control function for mobile teams engaged in the co-ordination of disposal in Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire. The precise requirement for the mobile teams is currently being scoped but they will be manned by the Green Howards.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

155041; 365 c365-6W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Armed forces Disease control Foot and mouth disease Exeter Staff Military police Military aid Veterinary medicine Worcester Carlisle

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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