Foot and Mouth (Hansard, 11 February 2002)

§ Mr. Breed
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 22 January 2002,Official Report, column 781W, if the improved ELISA test was used to diagnose those animals slaughtered after the last case of foot and mouth; and if she will make a statement. [35268]

§ Mr. Morley
The improved ELISA test was used as a screening test in the extensive serological testing programme that took place. Sera which gave positive ELISA tests were subject to a virus neutralisation test before any decision to cull animals was taken.

§ Mr. Andrew Turner
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when MAFF(a) started and (b) concluded its investigation into whether pigs identified as suffering from foot and mouth disease on 19 February 2001 had been fed on illegally imported meat; and what their conclusion was. [33712]

§ Mr. Morley
[holding answer 5 February 2002]: The State Veterinary Service started an epidemiological inquiry into the origins of the foot and mouth outbreak immediately the first case was confirmed. These investigations are still ongoing. There are related criminal proceedings currently under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

§ Mr. Peter Duncan
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what moneys are outstanding to Dumfries and Galloway council in respect of that region's foot and mouth disease containment activities in 2001. [34437]

§ Mr. Morley
[holding answer 7 February 2002]: The Department has already paid the bulk of Dumfries and Galloway council's claim in respect of their disease control costs incurred during the foot and mouth outbreak. On 24 January 2002, my officials met with representatives of the council and SEERAD officials to resolve a number
86W
placed in the Libraries of both Houses but is also available on both the DEFRA and CIEH websites. A summary of the figures follows:
of outstanding issues relating to their claim. Agreement was reached on the payment process for the remaining £2,183,428.09. This should be paid in the next few weeks.
A claim for damages to roads has been submitted by the council and is being considered by the Department.