§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether the new interim rules for animal movements will continue the exemptions for cattle and sheep moving between shows within six days; and if she will make a statement; [103283]
(2) what plans she has to permit farmers to exhibit livestock at country agricultural shows when these shows occur in the same area within a few days of each other and may offer multi-show championships. [103282]
§ Mr. MorleyWe announced in a written statement on 23 January that the standstill would be reduced to 6 days for cattle, sheep and goats with effect from 4 March, but with far fewer exemptions.
The removal of most of the exemptions is a counterbalance to the increased risk created by the reduction in the standstill period. The much shorter standstill should make it possible for show organisers to arrange events so that breeders and others wishing to exhibit at shows can plan their movements to comply with the rules.