HC Deb 21 November 2001 vol 375 cc331-2W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the remit of the Rural Task Force. [16527]

Alun Michael

The Prime Minister gave the Task Force the following terms of reference when it was established in March 2001.

To consider the implications of outbreak of foot and mouth disease for rural economy, both immediately and in the longer term, and to report to the Prime Minister on appropriate measures. In particular to:

  • identify the problems that the FMD outbreak is causing for the wider rural economy;
  • draw up specific guidance for the public and businesses in accordance with veterinary advice;
  • identify any initiatives—eg, from the Rural White Paper—whose implementation might be brought forward to help those caught up in the crises;
  • identify potential new actions which would help to kick-start the rural economy again once the outbreak had been eradicated."

These remain unchanged.

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