Foot and Mouth Disease

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:27 pm on 26 February 2001.

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Photo of Colin Breed Colin Breed Liberal Democrat, South East Cornwall 4:27, 26 February 2001

I thank the Minister for his statement and for his usual courtesy in providing an advance copy.

I have a few questions. The ban on livestock movement will expire this Friday. What regime of controls is the right hon. Gentleman considering to follow the present ban? On the importation of food supplies, is he satisfied that food is being imported from foot and mouth disease-free countries? What consideration is he giving to banning the importation of food from countries that are known to have endemic foot and mouth disease?

Will he comment on the position of farmers with cattle that are approaching 30 months of age? Such farmers may have significant problems in respect of the over-30-months scheme. If they are prevented from selling cattle that are currently of 29 months of age, they will suffer considerable loss when those animals are more than 30-months-old. Finally, who has overall decision-making responsibility within the United Kingdom, bearing in mind the devolved responsibilities? What liaison is under way with Scotland in particular?