HC Deb 11 May 2001 vol 368 cc485-6W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will use local vets to agree and supervise the movement of livestock across lanes to ease welfare problems. [158359]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: Changes introduced to the Livestock Movement Scheme made on 28 April allow Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs) to issue a Local Movement Licence for such a single movement, subject to an inspection prior to movement. LVIs may also issue Occupational Licences for multiple movements, within the same premises and in the same sole occupancy. It is not necessary for the LVI to supervise the movement of animals.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if livestock can be moved on welfare grounds from outside a restricted area to a restricted area. [158358]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: Animals may be moved from areas of lower disease risk to areas of higher disease risk, but not in the other direction. Pigs cannot be moved into or through Infected Areas. Licences are not available to move animals to premises within 3.0 km of infected premises or premises subject to foot-and-mouth disease control restrictions. Special arrangements apply to these circumstances.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow movement to take place of flocks of sheep owned by single farmers on split sites to lambing sheds on single sites. [158360]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: Licences have been available since 9 March to allow animals to be moved for welfare reasons across roads to single premises, between premises in the same ownership, subject to restrictions on the maximum distance. Changes which came into effect on 28 April have allowed such movements to be made for husbandry purposes. Some restrictions remain in place where sheep moved onto premises between 13 and 23 February.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to lift restrictions on the movement of animals at Ley Farm, Diptford, Totnes; and if he will make a statement. [158454]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 23 April 2001]: We understand that Diptford is outside the infected area and therefore subject only to the general restrictions applying to the GB controlled area. Movements from the controlled area to slaughter continue to be allowed. Details are on the MAFF website http://www.maff.gov.uk/.