§ Hywel WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the unavailability of Welsh medium forms for use by local authorities in Wales at the commencement of the autumn movement of livestock scheme. [12545]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has provided a standard template for forms to be used in connection with the livestock movement scheme. Local authorities may translate this into Welsh and I understand that a number may have now done so.
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the National Beef Association and other farming organisations on her Department's proposal to make permanent the 20-day standstill on cattle and sheep movements on farms; and if she will make a statement. [16034]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department received comments from the National Beef Association and a number of other representative industry associations on the proposals for a 20-day standstill. The Government are reviewing their proposals in the light of responses to the consultation exercise and we are carrying out full veterinary and economic risk assessments. It has been decided to make this issue part of a total approach to future disease control, which will also include biosecurity, animal identification and licensing. In the meantime, current movement licensing controls will continue.