Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 January 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 January 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, on what date she intends to disband her Department`s teams of foot and mouth disease blood testers operating in the South West of England; what plans she has to divert foot and mouth disease blood tester personnel and resources to the testing of cattle for bovine tuberculosis in the South West of England; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date she intends to disband her Department's teams of foot and mouth disease blood testers operating in the south-west of England; what plans she has to divert foot and mouth disease blood tester personnel and resources to the testing of cattle for bovine tuberculosis in the south-west of England; and if she will make a statement. [18046] Mr. Morley: No date has been set for disbanding the teams of blood testers for FMD in the south-west of England but as the threat from the disease diminishes there will be less need for testers. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 blood sampling for laboratory testing can be undertaken by paraprofessionals. The TB test can only be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons who are accredited to the relevant LVI Panel. The number of blood samplers who can be diverted to TB skin testing is minimal. The only other resource that will be required for the restart of TB testing is a sufficient supply of Tuberculin to meet the projected future need.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 377 c728W;377 c733W; 18046
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Staff Blood Disease control Foot and mouth disease Testing Bovine tuberculosis South West
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk