§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what risk assessment she has received on the reopening of cattle markets; when she plans to allow Chippenham cattle market to reopen; and if she will make a statement. [15531]
398W
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 November 2001]The decision to reopen livestock markets in England and Wales will depend on scientific and veterinary advice, taking account of the inherent risks of farmers and animals mixing and potentially spreading the disease mechanically or biologically. An initial veterinary risk assessment is currently being considered and will be published shortly. Depending on progress towards eradicating the foot and mouth disease, it is hoped that it may be possible to reopen cattle markets in the early part of next year.