§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library the latest scientific advice that she has received on the justification for the 20-day rule on livestock movements.[70112]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 16 July 2002]: A paper explaining the veterinary basis for the Interim Movements Regime, including the 20-day standstill, was placed in the Library on 7 February 2002 (Number 02/276 and has also been published on the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth).
This is currently being reviewed following discussions with representatives of the cattle and sheep veterinary societies. We will also take into account the recommendations of the Royal Society and Anderson inquiry reports on this issue. We will shortly publish an updated paper outlining the latest scientific and veterinary advice.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received from the Sheep Veterinary Society about the 20-day rule. [71646]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 19 July 2002]: The Sheep Veterinary Society have written to DEFRA officials suggesting that the 20-day standstill could be replaced by a 5-day standstill.