§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she will make an announcement on the exemption of agricultural shows from the 20 day standstill period; [28691]
(2) when she will provide guidance to organisers of county shows on livestock movements for shows. [28693]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 18 January 2002]: On 18 December, the Government announced changes to the livestock movement controls which it intends to introduce in February 2002. It is proposed that animals may move to and from shows and from show to show without triggering a 20 day standstill provided they are individually identified and are kept in approved isolation facilities on the farm of origin before moving to and on returning from shows. The rules will reflect existing protocols and herd health rules. Officials have held detailed discussions with interested parties and written guidance will be issued by the Department as soon as possible.
§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reply to the letter from The Surrey County Agricultural Society on the County Show in time for the show organisers to make plans for the animal show on 3 June. [28692]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 18 January 2002]: We have no record of having received the letter dated 3 June referred to by the hon. Member from The Surrey County Agricultural Society on the County Show.