§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his current estimate of when there will he no restriction on the movement of farm animals arising from radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl disaster.
§ Mr. CurryIt is not possible to be precise about the length of time that post-Chernobyl restrictions will have to remain in place. However, only 138 holdings remain under restriction in Cumbria. This represents a reduction of over 90 per cent. in the number of holdings originally restricted. We hope to be able to identify further holdings for derestriction this year.
273WWe shall continue our monitoring and research efforts to enable all restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible, consistent with the need to ensure the continued protection of the food chain.