§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she received the risk assessment of restarting foxhunting, and if she will publish it. [10003]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 25 October 2001]: The Veterinary Risk Assessment for hunting was submitted in mid-September in the light of the foot and mouth disease classification of counties for autumn movements. Since then, Ministers and officials have monitored the disease picture closely and have been considering the detail of how any relaxation of foot and mouth disease controls on hunting would be implemented. The Veterinary Risk Assessment and our decision based on it were published on 15 November 2001 and have been placed in the Vote Office and in the Library of the House.
Lembit öpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what individuals and organisations have been consulted during the compiling of the Veterinary Risk Assessment report on hunting; and if she will make a statement. [12022]
§ Alun MichaelOfficials from the Department have met a range of organisations including the Countryside Alliance, the League against Cruel Sports and the Masters of Foxhounds Association regarding the possible relaxation of foot and mouth disease controls over hunting.