§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to allow fox hunting to resume; and if she will make a statement. [12337]
§ Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on when hunting will recommence in Wales following the foot and mouth outbreak. [12838]
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the veterinary risk of resuming hunting in Worcestershire; and if she will make a statement. [12678]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 6 November 2001]: The 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.