§ Mr. HagueTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what review he has undertaken of the anthrax regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerFollowing an outbreak in north Wales in 1989, the agriculture departments reviewed our arrangements for dealing with this disease. It was concluded that while the existing provisions were effective for the protection of animal and public health, the legislation should include some additional powers. These include powers to restrict the use of feedingstuffs, to require vaccinations where necessary and to move healthy animals to another place.
The Anthrax Order 1991, which comes into force on 1 January 1992, incorporates these changes and clarifies responsibilities for dealing with anthrax, bringing the arrangements more into line with those for other diseases.