HC Deb 13 November 2001 vol 374 cc695-6W
Lembit Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to publish the veterinary risk assessment report on the risk of spreading foot and mouth disease via the activities of hunts; and if she will make a statement. [12021]

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to publish the veterinary risk assessment report on the effect of foot and mouth on a recommencement of hunting. [10392]

Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to publish the results of the veterinary risk assessment of hunting with dogs. [10561]

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the veterinary risk assessment on hunting with hounds; and when she will lift the restrictions placed on hunting with hounds as a consequence of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [14270]

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the risk assessment report on the resumption of hunting with dogs will be published; and for what reason she has not published it to date. [13478]

Mr. Cameron

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to publish the veterinary risk assessment into restarting hunting; and if she will make a statement. [13469]

Alun Michael

This veterinary risk assessment raises a number of complex issues regarding the future of foot and mouth disease related restrictions on hunting and such matters involve a careful balance of risks. It will be published as soon as Ministers and DEFRA officials have completed their consideration of the document. An announcement on the future of foot and mouth disease controls on hunting will be made as soon as possible.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to propose legislation in respect of hunting with dogs. [11806]

Alun Michael

[holding answer 6 November 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 635W.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will lift the restrictions placed on hunting with dogs as a consequence of the outbreak of foot and mouth. [13477]

Alun Michael

[holding answer 9 November 2001]: This veterinary risk assessment raises a number of complex issues regarding the future of foot and mouth disease related restrictions on hunting and such matters involve a careful balance of risks. It will be published as soon as Ministers and DEFRA officials have completed their consideration of the document. An announcement on the future of foot and mouth disease controls on hunting will be made as soon as possible.