§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the need for(a) a light lamb disposal scheme and (b) a light lamb storage scheme. [1692]
§ Mr. MorleyWe estimate that there will be approximately 1.5 million light lambs (live lambs up to around 30 kgs in weight) born this year which, because of the foot and mouth disease-related export ban, cannot be exported to their traditional market outlets in Southern Europe. We are currently examining all possible options for dealing with the problems expected to arise as a result of the closure of export markets.