§ Mr. Adleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who is responsible for enforcing the closure of footpaths and the keeping of dogs on leads in foot and mouth restricted areas; and what are the penalties for the breaking of such restrictions.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe power to close footpaths in a foot and mouth disease infected area is vested in both Ministry and local authority inspectors. Enforcement of the observance of any such closures, and of the keeping of dogs on leads in an infected area, is the responsibility of the local authorities. Failure to observe the requirements is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to £400, or up to £50 for each animal when the offence is in respect of more than 10 animals.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, since the last outbreak of foot and mouth disease, changes have been made in the arrangements to disseminate information to farmers in restricted areas; and if the same arrangements exist throughout the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe publicity arrangements for foot and mouth disease are the same now as in the past,402W and they apply throughout the country. When a disease outbreak is confirmed, the next local and national radio news broadcasts are used to announce the declaration of an infected area of approximately 10 miles radius round the premises concerned. Farmers are warned that there must be no movements of farm livestock out of the prescribed area. The detailed boundaries of the area are defined immediately thereafter and the description telexed to all local authorities and police forces within and adjoining the area. Farmers who are in doubt can seek confirmation by making a local telephone call. A letter and an advisory booklet are sent to all farmers in the area by first available post.