§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what communication he has received from the Cornwall Commoners Association about the importation of meat from countries where foot-and-mouth disease is endemic; and what reply he has made.
§ Mr. PeartThe Cornwall Commoners' Association wrote to me about the dangers of foot-and-mouth disease in hill areas such as theirs and of their concern at the possibility of renewed imports.
108WAll such representations were taken into account in the decision I announced on 4th March and the Association will receive a reply enclosing a copy of my statement.
§ Mr. David Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes, having ruled out compensation payments, to help livestock farmers not directly affected by foot-and-mouth and to assist in the recovery of the livestock industry.
§ Mr. PeartI would refer the hon. Member to the statement I have made today on the Annual Farm Price Review. All relevant factors have been taken into account during the Review, including the setback to livestock production caused by the foot-and-mouth epidemic.