§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Prime Minister if he discussed at the Stockholm European Council the effects of the UK's obligations under EU treaties and directives on the UK's scope to make decisions, with particular reference to the environment and vaccination, in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak in the United Kingdom. [156377]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 30 March 2001]: No. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made in the House on the Stockholm Council.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Prime Minister for what reason no hon. Members from rural constituencies were invited to meet him during his recent visit to Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [156989]
§ The Prime MinisterI went to the hon. Member for Worcester's constituency and was accompanied by him throughout my visit.
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§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Prime Minister what representatives of(a) farming and (b) tourism interests from the district council area of Wychavon he met during his recent visit to Worcestershire: and if he will make a statement. [156991]
§ The Prime MinisterI met farming and tourism local representatives.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had during his recent visit to Worcestershire with(a) officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (b) representatives of the Ministry of Defence and (c) hon. Members for constituencies in Worcestershire concerning the possible locations of a mass burial site for animals slaughtered to control foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [156990]
§ The Prime MinisterI discussed various aspects of the foot and mouth disease eradication strategy, including the need for additional disposal routes, with farmers and business representatives, officials, members of the armed forces and others in Worcester on 27 March. Decisions on the use of specific burial or other sites are a matter for MAFF, in consultation with the Environment Agency and other relevant authorities and others.
§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to set up an independent public inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreak. [157038]
§ The Prime MinisterWe have made it clear that at the conclusion of the foot and mouth outbreak we will sit down and see what lessons can be learned. This is normal good practice after any episode of this kind. However, the form that this exercise will take has not been decided. Our top priority is to focus on implementing the mechanisms to control and eradicate the disease.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the evidence submitted to him on foot and mouth disease by the Soil Association. [157008]
§ The Prime MinisterI have received no formal submission from the Soil Association. I am, however, aware from meetings that it favours the use of vaccination, which remains under active consideration as an option in the strategy for eradicating the disease.