§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the potential dangers of transmission of foot and mouth disease from the travelling of hunters from areas where hunting is still suspended to areas where the suspension has been lifted. [17970]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 26 November 2001]: Participants in hunting whose main dwelling is not in an FMD free county, or those who have visited livestock premises in an at risk or high risk county within seven days of a hunt, will not be able to take part in hunting. Hunt organisers will be responsible for certifying that these and other rules are being followed to DEFRA's satisfaction and it is intended that records will be kept of participants to ensure that these rules are enforced.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the economic impact on the rural economy of the temporary suspension of hunting. [17966]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 26 November 2001]: The Department has not carried out an assessment of the economic impact on the rural economy from the temporary suspension of hunting. Our priority has been to concentrate on the eradication of the foot and mouth outbreak.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information is required from landowners before permits are issued allowing the resumption of hunting with dogs on their land. [18383]
1172W
§ Alun MichaelThe arrangements for a temporary system of permits to regulate hunting with dogs in FMD free counties from 17 December were announced on 15 November and copies were placed in the Library of the House.
For the proposed permit system, landowners will not be required to submit any information to DEFRA. It will be down to the proposed permit holder and the hunt secretary or person responsible for the hunt (if different) to supply all necessary information.