Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 26 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 March 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 25 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the sheep at Kirkby Stephen were tested for the foot and mouth (a) virus and (b) antibody before restocking; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 1 March 2002).

Answer: Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the sheep at Kirkby Stephen were tested for the foot and mouth (a) virus and (b) antibody before restocking; and if she will make a statement. [39509] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 1 March 2002]: All animals used for controlled restocking must come from farms which have been inspected and found free from foot and mouth disease (FMD). The sheep used to restock at Kirkby Stephen came from two sources. One source was tested for antibodies in September and in November with negative results on both occasions. The second source was also tested for antibodies in August and November, with negative results on both occasions. Neither flock was tested for virus.

Secondary information