§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent studies of foot and mouth disease risks surrounding fox hunting she has commissioned. [10004]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 25 October 2001]A veterinary risk assessment regarding the possible relaxation of the foot and mouth disease controls over hunting with dogs in England and Wales has been carried out by the State Veterinary Service and is currently being considered by Ministers. Hunting with dogs takes a variety of forms all of which pose different levels of risk, and therefore require different levels of risk management measures. The assessment will shortly be published on the DEFRA website http:/www.defra.gov.uk/ and copies will be made available in the Library of each House.
§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to publish the results of the risk assessment in relation to hunting with dogs in areas free of foot and mouth disease; and if she will make a statement. [8595]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 18 October 2001]The veterinary risk assessment regarding the possible resumption of hunting with dogs is currently being considered by Ministers. It takes account of the varying degrees of risk in different parts of the country. Hunting with dogs takes a variety of forms all of which pose different levels of risk and therefore require different levels of risk management measures. In the context of the Government's clear commitment to do everything possible to prevent future outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, this needs careful consideration. We hope to be able to reach a decision and will publish the veterinary risk assessment on which our decisions will be based.