§ Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will undertake or commission further work into the emotional, social and mental health consequences of foot and mouth disease in Cumbria; and whether the research should be extended to encompass children. [HL74]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)A national study is currently being carried out by the Institute of Health Research at Lancaster University, on behalf of the Department of Health, and is due to conclude in 2004.
In the mean time the Department of Health through the Rural Stress Action Plan continues to work closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to support farmers and their families with the aim of delivering support that will make a difference to those in need.