§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what lessons learned have been made available to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs based upon the Army's experience of the foot and mouth outbreak. [15365]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 16 November 2001]: The foot and mouth epidemic has been brought under control by the joint efforts of a number of Government Departments and agencies. Throughout the epidemic, there was a constant interchange of information and 14W advice, based on past and present experience, between armed forces personnel and those other agencies and Departments, including DEFRA. The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting the work of the foot and mouth disease inquiries announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9 August.