§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action is being taken by(a) the regional development agencies and (b) the Countryside Agency to help combat foot and mouth disease. [154210]
§ Mr. MeacherThe primary responsibility for measures to combat foot and mouth disease rests with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The regional development agencies and the Countryside Agency, together with other organisations, have been developing their ideas for actions they can take to help to respond to the wider consequences. They are represented on and are contributing their ideas to the task force on the economic effects of the disease which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to chair.