HC Deb 16 November 2001 vol 374 c980W
Hywel Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at what dates and times the autumn movement of livestock scheme helpline has been unavailable; and if she will make a statement on the impact on applicants of the unavailability of that helpline. [12542]

Mr. Morley

The Movement Licence Helpline (01392 314941) is open 08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday and 09.00 to 13.00 on Saturday. The helpline has never been unavailable. Some calls may be answered by an automatic message, when all the lines are busy, but the number of unanswered calls has not exceeded 5 per cent. of calls made to the helpline.

The Department also provides a helpline for the use of local authorities and local veterinary inspectors. This helpline is not intended to be used by farmers. However, some farmers have obtained the number and will have been asked to call the Movement Licence Helpline.

Hywel Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the autumn movement of livestock scheme applies to movements between different parcels of land held by the same person. [12541]

Mr. Morley

Since 8 October, sole occupancy licences have been available to permit the movement of foot and mouth disease susceptible stock between premises which are in the same control, management and occupation in respect of FMD susceptible animals. All premises listed on the licence must be within a circle of a maximum diameter of 20.0 kms (12.4 miles). Movement of stock between premises covered by the same sole occupancy licence may take place without prior veterinary inspection and without triggering a 21 day standstill of destination. Full details are available from local offices of the DEFRA website.

Hywel Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the help available from her Department to local authorities to deal with the backlog of applications in respect of the autumn movement of livestock scheme. [12544]

Mr. Morley

The Department is working extremely closely with the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards (LACOTS) on the administration of the livestock movement scheme. The initial backlog of applications which built up after the introduction of the livestock movement scheme has been cleared.