§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to lift the post-Chernobyl restrictions on the movement of sheep; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderWe shall remove restrictions as soon as it is possible to do so without compromising food safety. The broad trend in radioactivity within the Cumbria restricted area in 1988 compared with 1987 was downwards and this is encouraging. However all the while there are sheep above the 1,000 bq/kg limit, restrictions will have to remain in place.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the incinerators by name and district which may be used for the disposal of sheep from restricted areas.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonCasualty sheep from the post-Chernobyl restricted area in Cumbria may be buried or cremated by farmers on their own land or, where this is not possible, farmers may make arrangements for disposal of the carcases at a county council refuse tip or incinerator. The location and availability of incinerators is a matter for the local authorities.