Foot and Mouth

HC Deb 28 March 2001 vol 365 cc673-4W

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that sheep within the exclusion zones can be moved for lambing purposes. [153187]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: Sheep in infected areas can be moved under the various schemes we have introduced over the last two weeks, provided that such moves are justified on welfare grounds and not

assessed to be a disease risk. If moves are not possible, then farmers can make use of the Animal Welfare Disposal Scheme.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the tourist industry on the losses due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [154181]

Mr. Meacher

I have been asked to reply.

Members of the tourist industry have made representations about the severe losses their industry is facing as a result of foot and mouth disease. We estimate that the current loss of revenue to the tourist industry in England is of the order of £100 million a week but it could rise to as much as £250 million a week.