§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerning the use of 603W trucks for the slaughter and disposal of stock affected by the current foot and mouth outbreak; and if he will make a statement. [153503]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 13 March 2001]: Officials from the Ministry of Defence are in close touch with their opposite numbers from the Ministry of Agriculture., Fisheries and Food, discussing the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak and possible requests for military support. All requests for support are treated urgently and sympathetically. Trucks for the slaughter and disposal of stock affected by the outbreak require sealed containers which do not form part of the military inventory.