HC Deb 14 July 1986 vol 101 cc384-5W
Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to help alleviate the particular difficulties being encountered by those within the areas affected by the ban on the movement and slaughter of lambs with regard to the special sales of breeding stock; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

My right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the difficulties facing those in the designated areas who wish to move animals to special sales of breeding stock. There is no reason to expect any detectable increase in genetic mutation in sheep following the Chernobyl incident and no need to restrict the use of animals from designated areas for breeding purposes. My right hon. and learned Friend will therefore consider sympathetically requests for consent to move animals out of designated areas where he is satisfied that the movement is for the purpose of selling animals for breeding use at a recognised sale of breeding stock. Applications for consent should be made to the local area office of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be in a position to announce any relaxation in the movement and slaughter of sheep in those areas affectd by his announcement of 23 June; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my right hon. and learned Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Corrie).

Mr. Corrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes any further changes in the areas in Scotland within which the movement and slaughter of sheep are presently controlled under the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (No. 4) Order 1986.

Mr. Rifkind

In the light of further results from the first round of monitoring in the designated areas, I am pleased to say that I can remove restrictions from two further areas in Dumfries and Galloway, one in the east of the region and one in the west. I have accordingly today made an order amending the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (No. 4) Order 1986 to be effective from midnight tonight. Details of the derestricted areas, together with the latest monitoring results are being issued by my Department today and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.