HC Deb 08 May 2001 vol 368 cc121-36W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the risks of subsequent infection which arise from burial of animals carrying the foot and mouth virus and the precautions to be taken in order to minimise such risks in the event of burial being carried out. [156211]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 30 Mach 2001]: Before carcases are buried the Environment Agency undertakes a risk assessment of the geological, hydrogeological and hydrological conditions of the proposed location. This includes an assessment of risk to local groundwater and surface water potable supplies. Carcases are only buried where the risk assessment shows it i safe to do so, or where there can be adequate risk management applied.

After slaughter carcases are sprayed with an approved disinfectant which kills a large amount of the virus. Once rigor mortis sets in most of the virus carried inside the infected animals diminishes very quickly and veterinary advice is that there is very little risk of any remaining infection from buried animals spreading.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has collated to link the outbreak of foot and mouth(a) with Chinese restaurants or takeaways and (b) other restaurants and takeaways in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne; and if he will make a statement. [156655]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 2 May 2001]: We have no evidence to suggest that the foot and mouth outbreak originated from Chinese food or any other specific food source. Investigations are continuing in co-operation with trading standards but it is too soon to comment on detailed findings. The current outbreak is due to the type O, PanAsia strain virus. This strain is responsible for a number of outbreaks in different countries throughout the middle east, far east, and in Greece, Bulgaria and South Africa. One possibility is that the outbreak might have been caused by pigs eating untreated food originating from one of these countries. However, we will not be limiting our investigations to this particular line of inquiry.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the risks of infection as a consequence of burying infected carcases; and if he will list the scientific studies which he has taken into account. [156465]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 2 April 2001]: Foot and mouth disease is one of the most widely researched diseases and numerous scientific studies were taken into account when assessing the risks of infection resulting from burial of infected carcases.

Once rigor mortis sets in most of the virus carried inside the infected animal diminishes very quickly and veterinary advice is that there is little risk of any remaining infection from buried animals spreading.

Before carcases are buried the Environment Agency undertakes a risk assessment of the geological, hydrogeological and hydrological conditions of the proposed location. This includes an assessment of risk to local groundwater and surface water potable supplies.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will(a) relax the existing exclusion zones up to 30 miles around an infected area to enable animals situated therein to reach slaughterhouses; (b) make good the economic hardship incurred by those farmers caught in exclusion zones unable to move their animals; and (c) make fuller information available to those farmers caught in form D and exclusion zones, in particular by updates to the MAFF website and a local MAFF regional office helpline; and if he will make a statement. [156280]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 2 April 2001]: The boundaries surrounding an infected area may extend beyond the statutory minimum 10 km for disease control purposes and because, in order to simplify identification, they are determined by clear geographical boundaries. If outbreaks of foot and mouth are still being confirmed in an area the movement restrictions cannot be lifted or relaxed. The area may also be extended to take account of windborne spread, particularly from pig premises. The procedure for lifting infected area restrictions involves a process of checking that there are no infected animals in the area surrounding the infected premises. An infected area may only be lifted 30 days after the preliminary cleansing and disinfection. From 23 April movements of animals from infected areas, but not within 3 km of an infected place, to abattoirs in the same infected area for immediate slaughter for human consumption have been permitted. From 4 May movements of animals from within 3 km of an infected premises to abattoirs in the same infected area for slaughter for human consumption have been permitted provided 15 days have elapsed since preliminary cleansing and disinfection of any infected premises within 3 km of the premises.

Infected areas will be lifted as soon as possible and, for example, the declaratory orders relating to Northamptonshire. Leicestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Kent have already been revoked.

When infected areas cannot be completely lifted, because of the number of disease cases, the Ministry will consider reducing the boundaries. Decisions to reduce boundaries are made on a case-by-case basis in discussion with vets, taking into account the number and proximity of any confirmed FMD cases. The northern infected area has been reduced on two occasions, firstly to exclude Ripon (on 2 April) and then to release part of the Yorkshire Dales (on 20 April).

Compensation is payable for the market value of animals slaughtered to control foot and mouth disease. It is not payable for the consequential losses, for example caused by movement restrictions. Farmers in infected areas, whose animals face welfare difficulties as a result of foot and mouth movement restrictions, may he eligible for the livestock welfare (disposal) scheme, operated by the Intervention Board on behalf of MAFF, under which they receive a slightly reduced rate of compensation for all animals slaughtered.

We recognise the importance of making information about such schemes and developments available to farmers and the Ministry's website http://www.maff.gov.uk/ relating to foot and mouth disease, which contains such information, is updated regularly. There is already a helpline operating (0845 0504141) and this is open from 8.00 am to 11.00 pm. Various contact details are also given on the website, and farmers may contact their regional service centre or trading standards for information on obtaining a licence to move animals.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the routing of lorries carrying(a) carcases and (b) fuel to Throckmorton airfield; and what discussions he has had with Worcestershire county council on this subject; [157064]

(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for traffic levels on local roads in the parish council areas of (a) Bishampton and Throckmorton, (b) Hill and Moor, (c) Wyre Piddle and (d) Pinvin of the decision to use Throckmorton airfield as a disposal site for carcases of culled animals. [156988]

Ms Quin

[holding answers 5 April 2001]The Ministry consulted Worcestershire county council concerning traffic implications of the scheme at Throckmorton airfield, in particular, the Worcestershire county council highways authority. There are planned routes into and out of the site for all transport vehicles, designed to minimise the impact on local residents. Vehicles transporting carcases are accompanied by escort vehicles, with instructions to follow the agreed planned routes.

Mr. Duncan

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is for permitting a bull to enter a foot and mouth infected area for the purpose of inseminating milk-producing dairy cows. [156913]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 5 April 2001]: The possibility of introducing a licensing system to allow bulls access to infected areas for the insemination of cows is currently being explored. Such movements of bulls would be subject to certain conditions similar to those set down under the current movement licences.

Artificial insemination by an inseminator is now permitted subject to certain conditions, and there are plans to allow deliveries of semen to farms, to enable farmers to carry out a simplified insemination technique, without the need for an inseminator.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the Army's role in dealing with the foot and mouth outbreak is restricted to logistics; and if he will assess the benefits of extending the role of the Army. [157037]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 5 April 2001]: We are grateful for the Army's contribution in support of MAFF in dealing with the foot and mouth outbreak. This contribution is not confined to the provision of logistical support, although that role has been significant. It also includes assistance in engineering and the management and operation of MAFF slaughter and disposal operations. MAFF has been able to draw on military advice on the conduct of operations, the creation of integrated control centres, crisis management techniques and contingency planning. The range and size of the Army's role is kept under continuous review.

Mr. Cotter

T o ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease that have natural immunity to it. [157630]

Ms Quin

Immunity to foot and mouth disease is acquired by exposure to the virus or by vaccination. As there has not been, a case of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain since 1981, and we do not permit routine vaccination, all susceptible livestock are assumed to be susceptible to foot and mouth disease virus.

During the current outbreak, it is possible that there may be livestock, particularly sheep, which have been exposed to infecion but have not exhibited clinical symptoms. These animals may have acquired some degree of immunity. There is also a possibility that such animals may become carriers of the virus. The number of these animals is unknown, but may be disclosed when animals are blood sampled as part of our sero-surveillance strategy.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what breaches of security there have been at the Pirbright Institute for Animal Health laboratories within the past 12 months. [157364]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 6 April 2001]There have been no reported breaches of security at the Pirbright Animal Health laboratories.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the restrictions on the movement and sale of livestock around Layer-de-la-Haye in Essex will be lifted. [157245]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 6 April 2001]: Local veterinary inspections and serology sampling in the area will be complete by 4 May. A decision on the lifting of movement restrictions will be taken once the results of laboratory tests on these samples are known.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when movement restrictions on livestock in the Layer-de-la-Haye restricted area will be lifted. [159986]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 1 May 2001]: A new series of local veterinary inspections and serology sampling will be carried out in the area in the near. future. These are necessary because the last series revealed evidence of infection. Current restrictions will remain in place until no further evidence of infection is revealed.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to enable farmers and others affected by the foot and mouth outbreak to have access to counselling, telephone helplines and other personal support services. [157372]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 6 April 2001]: MAFF has posted on its website guidance to all in the rural community wishing to seek help during the foot and mouth disease outbreak. It has also circulated to all livestock farmers in England contact details for organisations which can provide confidential advice, guidance and financial assistance, including the rural stress information network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the farm crisis network and the Samaritans. Through a rural stress action plan funded by MAFF, details of these organisations have also been widely publicised on yellow contact cards and in magazines.

In addition, the foot and mouth disease telephone helpline is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week and calls are charged at the local rate.

Mr. Harvey

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what veterinary visits and check-ups are being carried out on farms in Devon adjacent to those where foot and mouth disease was diagnosed before 22 March. [157838]

Ms Quin

The majority of veterinary inspection visits will have been carried out by now although a few final visits may still be being carried out. Some visits may be required for premises where a partial[...]ull is required, for example, where only sheep or pigs are to be killed. If the farms were identified as dangerous contacts, visits will be made to supervise the cleansing and disinfection operations.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the health of the sheep at the AWE site in Foulness following the visits of officials of his Department. [157515]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 9 April 2001]: The sheep at the Atomic Weapons Establishment site in Foulness were last visited by veterinary officers from the local animal health office on 30 March. The RSPCA is now taking the lead with this issue, and are continually monitoring the situation on the island. I understand that the sheep have been moved to drier land, temporary accommodation has been found, and the welfare situation has been alleviated.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what date is to be set for movements to slaughter in the Chorley area. [157992]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 10 April 2001]: Chorley is in an infected area for the purpose of the control of foot and mouth disease. Movement to slaughter under licence to approved abattoirs in the same infected area has been allowed from 23 April other than from premises within three kilometres of an infected place. Urgent consideration is being given to a licensing system to allow animals from premises within three kilometres of an infected place to be moved to slaughter.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms have been involved in the cull of livestock as a result of the foot and mouth crisis; and if he will make a statement. [158055]

Ms Quin

As of 19.00 on 1 May, the total figure for premises affected by foot and mouth disease (and therefore involved in the cull of livestock) was 6,542.

Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many premises preventative culls have been carried out. [158203]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: As of 19.00 on 1 May, preventative culls have been carried out on 5,017 premises since the start of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak. This includes all dangerous contacts and premises involved in voluntary culls.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of foot and mouth on the number of farms likely to remain in business in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [158720]

Ms Quin

Foot and mouth is having a considerable impact on farming and a range of industries throughout the UK. It is still too early to make a reliable estimate of the overall effect and therefore it is not possible to make an assessment of the number of farm businesses which will cease trading as a result of the disease.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms had been identified with foot and mouth infection on the premises by midnight 9 April; and if he will make a statement. [158716]

Ms Quin

As of 19.00 on 9 April, 1,163 premises had been confirmed as being infected with foot and mouth disease.

As of 19.00 on 1 May, 1,525 premises had been confirmed as being infected with foot and mouth disease.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Minister responsible for managing foot and mouth disease in the Welsh Assembly with regard to increased use of the Army to speed up implementation of the cull and carcase removal or incineration schemes; and if he will make a statement. [158728]

Ms Quin

The Ministry is in constant contact with the National Assembly for Wales about all matters relating to the current foot and mouth outbreak. The Army has provided valuable assistance in speeding up the slaughter and disposal of carcases.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hunt staff in England and Wales hold slaughtering licences from his Ministry. [158260]

Ms Quin

This information is not available. Slaughtering licences are issued by the Meat Hygiene Service. They are granted on an individual basis and held for life. There is no requirement for licensed individuals to inform the Meat Hygiene Service of their current place of work and thus it is not possible to identify how many have or currently work as hunt staff.

Mr. David Heath

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice has been issued to establishments licensed for the training of racehorses on movements of horses into and out of foot and mouth disease restricted areas. [158391]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: Officials have undertaken a detailed assessment of the risks associated with the spread of foot and mouth through the movement of racehorses. This has been posted on the MAFF website http://www.maff.gov.uk/. Officials have also liaised closely with the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board, which have produced detailed working guidance on the range of precautionary measures to be taken by their members. This is available from the British Horseracing Board.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is towards the employment and payment of agency vets to assist in slaughtering livestock infected with foot and mouth disease. [158262]

Ms Quin

To help in current foot and mouth disease control operations the Ministry is employing veterinary surgeons as temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) according to the standard scale of fees for temporary veterinary inspectors. These vets are employed as TVIs on an individual basis.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers he has to order the slaughter of animals under the contiguous culling scheme without the consent of the animals' owners. [158263]

Ms Quin

My right hon. Friend the Minister's powers to order the slaughter of animals in order to control foot and mouth disease are laid down in section 31, Schedule 3, paragraph 3 of the Animal Health Act 1981.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is towards the use of hunt staff to slaughter livestock infected with foot and mouth disease.[158261]

Ms Quin

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Fabricant) on 30 April 2001, Official Report, column 490W.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to apply more selective criteria to dairy herds when considering the implementation of the contiguous cull policy; and if he will a statement. [158508]

Ms Quin

My right hon. Friend the Minister announced for England a broadening of the areas of discretion available to MAFF divisional veterinary managers. Under this revised policy, MAFF officials will continue to kill all animals which are dangerous contacts. On other contiguous premises, susceptible animals will be killed. However, cattle may be spared if there is adequate biosecurity. This will be a matter for local veterinary judgment.

MAFF has already published guidance on biosecurity measures which have been agreed with the veterinary profession. Where cattle are not culled they will be subject to regular veterinary patrols.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to test milk and blood samples from dairy herds on premises contiguous with a foot and mouth outbreak for three weeks before proceeding with a contiguous cull of such herds; and if he will make a statement. [158478]

Ms Quin

Under the revised policy on dealing with cattle on contiguous premises, announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 26 April, officials will continue to kill all animals which are dangerous contacts. On other contiguous premises, susceptible animals will be killed. However, cattle may be spared if there is adequate biosecurity. This will be a matter for local veterinary judgment.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the issuing of Form D notices to farmers by telephone. [158489]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: A Form D notice is served on premises where animals may have been exposed to infection. When foot and mouth disease is confirmed on a premises, all premises with susceptible livestock within the 3 km protected zone around the infected place are contacted, where possible, by telephone to advise them tha[...] those premises are subject to Form D restrictions. A Form D is also posted or delivered to each of those premises.

Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if(a) officials of his Department and (b) those acting on their behalf, asked participants in the insurance market in December 2000 and January 2001 about the availability, current and potential terms and affordability of insurance to cover losses to insureds consequent upon an event of an outbreak foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom.[158379]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: At the outset of the classical swine fever last year, the Minister established a Government/Industry working party to review ways in which the livestock industry could protect itself against the commercial consequences of any future animal disease outbreaks. The review covered the 14 OIE list A diseases that affect cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. Foot and mouth is one of these 14 diseases.

One area considered by the working group was the extent to which insurance could be used by farmers to cover the business risks associated with becoming caught up in statutory disease control measures. Officials met the Association of British Insurers on 6 December 2000 and on 10 January 2001, Lorien plc were engaged by the Ministry to assist the working party. Lorien subsequently contacted various insurance providers to establish what types of insurance cover was available and the level of uptake by farmers.

The working party was due to report to the Minister in the spring but this will be delayed by the current outbreak.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to visit Montgomeryshire to discuss the foot and mouth outbreak with farmers. [158721]

Ms Quin

There are no immediate plans for a ministerial visit to Montgomeryshire.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to provide information on a daily basis to farmers regarding the actions relating to the foot and mouth outbreak and the progress of the disease; and if he will make a statement. [158729]

Ms Quin

Information about the disease and the action the Government have taken has been placed on the Ministry website. This website is updated every day with the latest information and advice. Information is also available from local MAFF animal health offices. Additionally, my right hon. Friend the Minister wrote to every livestock farmer in England at the end of February enclosing information about the disease and how to protect their farm. He wrote again to farmers on two further occasions to update them on the steps we have taken to control the disease.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans there are to bring animals into Hampshire as part of the Government's culling programme. [158226]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April, 2001]: There are no abattoirs in Hampshire contracted to slaughter animals under the livestock welfare (disposal) scheme. There is one landfill site in the county that has been identified for the disposal of carcases under the scheme but this would only be used for local on-farm slaughters of pigs and/or sheep.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms without confirmed foot and mouth cases had been earmarked for a partial or total cull by midnight on 9 April; and if he will make a statement. [158717]

Ms Quin

As at 9 April, slaughter had taken place or was due to take place at 1,975 premises at which foot and mouth disease had not been confirmed.

Mr. Breed

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the possibility of using(a) flame-throwers and (b) napalm as a means of destroying animal carcases. [159205]

Ms Quin

Flame-throwers are not in service in this country or in the USA because of safety concerns. Napalm produces very toxic compounds when burnt, so cannot be used because of the public and environnmental health risks.

We recognise that burning at higher temperatures is more efficient and cleaner, and so there is a need to increase the temperature of pyres, particularly at the beginning of the burn while the water in the carcases is being driven off. We have therefore commissioned urgent studies, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, on the possible use of gelled fuel mixtures to increase the temperature.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures are in place to ensure that no animals known to have contracted foot and mouth disease are buried at Throckmorton airfield; and how many cases have been reported to him where a mistaken diagnosis may have led to diseased animals being buried there. [158987]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: All livestock are examined by a veterinary surgeon prior to slaughter. In the event of a clinical diagnosis of foot and mouth disease, the premises is declared an infected premises. We are not aware of any carcases of livestock from infected premises that have been disposed of at Throckmorton.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what land in the vicinity of Throckmorton airfield, Worcestershire, has been purchased by Government Departments; how much land has been so purchased; at what price and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement. [158207]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: The Ministry has purchased 155 acres of land adjacent to the burial site at Throckmorton. The land was purchased as a buffer against the burial site and additionally as a contingency to provide extra burial capacity should it be needed. The land was purchased for £3,875,000. This price reflects the potential of part of the site for development.

Mr. Livsey

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to slaughter and bury on farm those farm animals stranded on farms as a result of foot and mouth movement restrictions, indicating those that are destined for the welfare slaughter scheme in(a) D notice areas and (b) other less restricted areas. [158602]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: Burial on-farm of animals slaughtered through the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme is not out of the question on grounds of policy, but is very difficult to implement. Many different organisations and agencies must be consulted to ensure that the site is safe, such as the Environment Agency, communication companies, gas and oil providers and water companies. This prolonged consultation makes on-farm burial too slow to be practical for the large numbers involved.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria his Department applies when deciding to slaughter on suspicion of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [158984]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: The procedures for the slaughter of livestock on suspicion of foot and mouth disease are set out on the MAFF website http://www.maff.gov.uk/. Where a veterinary inspector carries out an investigation and is satisfied on clinical grounds that an animal exhibits signs of foot and mouth disease, the case will be confirmed on clinical grounds. Where, however, a veterinary inspector sees signs that are not totally consistent with foot and mouth disease, but where foot and mouth disease cannot be ruled out, the herd is slaughtered on suspicion.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what his estimate is of the time that(a) napalm and (b) pyre of wood takes to destroy a carcase; [158868]

(2) what his estimate is of the cost of destruction per carcase (a) by fuelled pyre and (b) by napalm after investment in suitable equipment. [158870]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: Decisions on methods of disposal of carcases are taken on operational, environmental and animal and public health considerations. Napalm produces very toxic compounds when burnt, and so cannot be used because of the public and environmental health risks. Pyres burn for approximately four days.

Information on the cost of disposal per carcase is not currently available and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what compensation is available to those who are unable to let grass parks because of animal movement restrictions during the foot and mouth outbreak. [159160]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: Compensation is payable for the market value of animals slaughtered to control foot and mouth disease but is not payable for consequential losses caused by foot and mouth controls. There are no plans to make such payments in response to the current outbreak, but the situation will be kept under review.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the delivery of the 2001 census forms and the associated risk of the spread of foot and mouth disease; and what assessment he has made of that risk. [158960]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Minister has not received any formal representations concerning the risk of individuals spreading foot and mouth when delivering census forms. However, officials from the Office for National Statistics have consulted the Department over appropriate guidance to issue to enumerators, census team leaders and census district managers to ensure that the exercise is conducted in a way that will do nothing to exacerbate the foot and mouth situation. This guidance has been developed with the support of the National Farmers Unions and will ensure that the census proceeds with maximum caution in rural areas. In particular: Census takers will respect all restrictions in relation to foot and mouth whether put in place by the authorities or by farmers/communities themselves. On no account will census takers use taped off thoroughfares or pass warning signs. Census takers will talk to the Royal Mail about local arrangements for deliveries in rural areas where there are restrictions. Where census takers cannot reach a farm or household they will:

  1. (a) attempt to make telephone contact with the householder and arrange to deliver the form in an appropriate way, e.g. delivering the form to the farm gate or arranging for the form to reach the farm or household with other deliveries.
  2. (b) post the form to the farm or household with an information leaflet and covering letter advising the householder to post back their completed census form or to call the census helpline for further assistance about completing the form.

Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the risk of spreading foot and mouth by census personnel carrying out their work in rural areas. [158414]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: Guidance has been issued to enumerators, census team leaders and census district managers to ensure that the exercise is conducted in a way that will do nothing to exacerbate the foot and mouth situation. This guidance has been developed with the support of the National Farmers Union and will ensure that it proceeds with maximum caution in rural areas. In particular: Census takers will respect all restrictions in relation to foot and mouth whether put in place by the authorities or by farmers/communities themselves. On no account will census-takers use taped off thoroughfares or pass warning signs. Census takers will talk to the Royal Mail about local arrangements for deliveries in rural areas where there are restrictions. Where cannot reach a farm or household they will:

  1. (a) attempt to make telephone contact with the householder and arrange to deliver the form in an appropriate way e.g. delivering the form to the farm gate or arranging for the form to reach the farm or household with other deliveries.
  2. (b) post the form to the farm or household with an information leaflet and covering letter advising the householder to post back their completed census form or to call the census helpline for further assistance about completing the form.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received on rare l reeds being protected in the event of a cull in contiguous sites until signs of the disease show; and if he will mg e a statement; [158962]

(2) what measures he is taking to prevent the elimination of rare breeds during the foot and mouth crisis. [157340]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 26 April 2001, Official Report, column 346W. Since then the Ministry has issued a joint, instruction providing for rare breeds of sheep on contiguous premises to be exempted from slaughter, provided that they can be isolated from other susceptible livestock and managed in compliance with tight biosecurity. Copies of the joint instruction are on the Ministry's website http://www.maff.gov.uk/, and more detailed guidance will be issued this week.

Mrs. Shephard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of available foot and mouth disease vaccines against various strains of the disease. [158881]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: As there are seven main types of foot and mouth virus (each with many sub-types), it has been necessary to focus attention on the pan-Asiatio O type virus responsible for the current outbreak. Vaccines for this strain come in different forms and strengths and their impact can vary between individual animals as well as species. However, no vaccine can be relied upon as being 100 per cent. effective against foot and mouth—not because it is in itself ineffective but either because it could be inadequately administered or because a small number of animals may respond a-typically and develop only a low level of immunity.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the cost of destroying clean animals, caught in restricted zones but not infected with foot and mouth; and if he will make a statement.[158959]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 26 April 2001]: No representations from the industry have been received by the Intervention Board concerning the cost of destroying clean animals under the livestock disposal scheme. Colleagues and officials have however initiated contact with operators of land fill sites over issues such as access and prices.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the extent of the exclusion zone following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Hawes. [159259]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 27 April 2001]: The chief executive of North Yorkshire council requested that the infected area in North Yorkshire be reduced. Part of the lower Dales area of North Yorkshire has had restrictions raised but given that there are still cases in the Wensleydale/Richmond/Danby Wiske area, further changes to the infected area boundaries would be premature.

Mr. Maclean

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the addresses of each cremation pyre in Cumbria. [159453]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 27 April 2001]: MAFF is working with Ordnance Survey to plot the locations of all pyres and burial sites in Cumbria and elsewhere. The information will be released to all those bodies that need it for environmental and health monitoring purposes. We are considering whether the information can be released more widely without breaching the Data Protection Act 1998.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice the deputy surveyor gave to Ministers with respect to proposals for reopening the New Forest in time for the Easter weekend. [159454]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 27 April 2001]: The deputy surveyor advised me that he ha carried out a risk assessment which had been agree with the state veterinary service. He advised me that the risk of foot and mouth disease occurring in the New Forest was very low. It is my view that the phased re-opening is justified on the independent and professional advice I have received.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he received regarding re-opening the New Forest; and if he will make a statement; [159266]

(2) from what organisations and individuals he sought advice prior to opening the New Forest at Easter. [159267]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 27 April 2001]: I received advice and representations from, among others, the Verderers, the Commoners' Defence Association, members of the New Forest Committee, the New Forest district council, English Nature, the National Farmers' Union, the Countryside Alliance, the State Veterinary Service and the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what have been the results of foot and mouth tests carried out on wild deer since the current outbreak began.[R] [159944]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 1 May 2001]: A number of deer have been tested for foot and mouth disease, all with negative results.

Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the comments made by Dr. Stuart Renton on the origin and development of the foot and mouth epidemic in Britain; [160206]

(2) pursuant to his statement of 27 March 2001, Official Report, columns 827–53, on the likely source farm of the foot and mouth outbreak, what changes there have been in the Government's assessment of the situation; and what new information has come into the possession of the Government; [160237]

(3) if he will publish the advice supplied to the Government by Dr. Stuart Renton on the origin and development of the foot and mouth epidemic. [160205]

Mr. Nick Brown

[holding answer 3 May 2001]: The farm where foot and mouth disease infectivity was first present is still believed to be the Heddon-on-the-Wall case. Dr. Renton has not submitted advice or any evidence to the Government on the origin of the farm outbreak.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those cases of foot and mouth in the National Parks which(a) have been reported, (b) await results of full testing and (c) have been confirmed following full testing procedures. [160285]

Ms Quin

We regret that it is not possible to provide a list of(a) reported cases or (b) those subject to testing without breaching the Data Protection Act 1998. A list of infected premises within English National Parks is however provided because of the legitimate public interest in the information being in the public domain.

Providing actual numbers of reported cases can be achieved only at disproportionate cost. However as far as (b) there are 19 premises subject to testing arid 54 infected premises. Information is subject to changes as results of testing are confirmed but is correct as of 3 May.

Name and addresses of infected premises within English National Parks

  • Temple, Black Hall Farm, Seathwaite, Broughton in Furness, Cumbria
  • Mitchell, Hesket Hall, Hasket Newmarket, Cumbria
  • Holland, Bank End Farm, Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Gillett, Kilncroft, Thackthwaite, Dacre, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Crosthwaite, Green Close, Penruddock, Penrith
  • Kendal, Outgang Farm, Helton, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Oliver, Cawfields, Haltwhistle, Northumberland
  • Armstrong, Grindon Hall Farm, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Northumberland
  • Angus, Hazel Head Farm, Ulpha, Broughton in Fourness, Cumbria
  • Pratt, The Ashes, Hawes, North Yorkshire
  • Dinsdale, West Lea, Gayle, Hawes, North Yorkshire
  • Bowe, Cartriggs Farm, Hawes, North Yorkshire
  • Pratt, Hunger Hill, Burtersett, Hawes, North Yorkshire
  • Lambert, Raygill Farm, Hawes, North Yorkshire
  • Windsor, Dunnabridge Farm, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon
  • Fawcett, Hill Top Farm, Askrigg, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
  • Armstrong, Mosedale End Farm, Mosedale, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Benn, Crook-a-Fleet, Mungrisdale, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Strong, Holecrook, Weskot New Market, Witon, Cumbria
  • Hope. Blackburn Fram, Wark, Hexham, Northumberland
  • Cousins, Foresthall Farm, Selside, Kendal, Cumbria
  • Waugh, Mireholme, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria
  • Scrimgeour, Lonscale, Brundholme, Threlkeld, Cumbria
  • Clarkson, Throstle Nest Farm, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
  • Yeats, Cloughfoot Farm, Haltwhistle, Northumberland
  • Coward. Low Rough Hill, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Wearing, Hill Farm, Heathwaite, Grizebeck, Cumbria
  • Reeds, Moss Kennels, Hayden Bridge, Hexham, Northumberland
  • Littlejohns, Minehouse Farm, Okehampton, Devon
  • Winder and Co. Borderiggs, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria
  • Lambert, Brough Hill Farm, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
  • Richardson, Greenlands Farm, Cockermouth, Cumbria
  • Postlethwite, Armaside Farm, Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumbria
  • Jackson, Oxen Park Farm, Oxen Park, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Boyren, Hill Park, Colton, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Norman, Kirkhouse Farm, Setmurthy, Cockermouth, Cumbria
  • Heseltine, Crossfields, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
  • Pearson, The Faulds, Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Edmondson, Walloway, Pennidock, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Rigg, Biggards Farm, Calderbeck, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Ostle, Mill House Farm, Wellington, Seascale, Cumbria
  • Ritson, Baggra Yeat, Uldale, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Lord Inglewood, Old Scales Farm, Wythop, Cockermouth, Cumbria
  • Wilson, Limedale, Uldale, Wigton, Cumbria
  • John Sutcliffe, Bridgefield Farm, Lowick Bridge, Lowick, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Sherwen and Sons, Bridge Petton, Gosforth, Seascale, Cumbria
  • Thompson, Great Knott Farm, Blawith, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Twentyman, Croft House, Aughertree, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Dickinson, Abbott Park, Colton, Greenwood, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Dickinson, Force Forge, Satterthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Wilson, Gate Farm, Uldale, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Ridley, Wood Hall, Hesket New Market, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Pattinson, Uldale Hall, Uldale, Wigton, Cumbria
  • Marrs, Manor Farm, High Ireby, Wigton, Cumbria.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached following the consultations on proposals to protect rare breeds and hefted sheep; and if he will make a statement. [160778]

Mr. Morley

On 19 April, proposals concerning the exemption of rare breeds and hefted sheep from the contiguous and 3km cull were published and views sought. The vast majority of respondents to this exercise welcomed the proposals. Arrangements for exempting rare breeds of sheep and goats, and other pedigree sheep and goats of high genetic value, and genuinely hefted sheep, such as Herdwicks and Swaledales, from contiguous and 3 km culls have now been introduced and guidance issued. The guidance explains what information needs to be submitted to gain exemption. I am placing a copy of this guidance in the Library of the House.

These arrangements allow for owners of sheep or goats—who think their stock may qualify and are notified it is to be slaughtered as part of a contiguous or 3 km cull—to apply for exemption from their local divisional veterinary manager (DVM). Owners need to show that the animals can be isolated from other susceptible livestock, and managed in compliance with tight biosecurity. Before registration as an exempted flock/herd, the DVM will arrange for blood samples to be taken for testing. The results for these blood tests must be negative for registration to be granted; positive blood tests will result in the flock/herd being slaughtered.

Mr. Webb

To Ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the risk to the health of pregnant women from inhaling smoke from the burning of(a) infected and (b) uninfected carcases. [157369]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 6 April 2001]: I have been asked to reply

The Department of Health's assessment of the risks to health of emissions from pyres burning carcases is published on its website www.doh.gov.uk/fmdguidance/index.htm. Copies are also available in the Library. This assessment covers all sectors of the population, including pregnant women. Inhalation of smoke from pyres burning carcases is not considered to pose a risk to humans of infection with foot and mouth virus and so no difference in risk is anticipated from burning either infected or uninfected carcases.

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