§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the owners of Dawn Cardington abattoir in Bedfordshire concerning a date for the re-opening of the abattoir. [156800]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 4 April 2001]: I understand that the owners of Dawn Cardington took a decision to close their abattoir, stating that this was in order to protect their boning and cutting plant on the same site from the risk of infection with foot and mouth disease. The Government have sought to encourage operators in the red meat industry to participate in the market in as normal a manner as possible. Guidance to slaughterhouse owners has been issued by the state veterinary service on the consequences of a confirmed case being detected on their premises. This can be found on the foot and mouth website under moving livestock to slaughter at http://www.maff.gov.uk/.