§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when livestock markets will reopen. [29475]
§ Mr. MorleyOn 18 December, the Government announced changes to the livestock movement controls which they intended should be implemented from February 2002 provided there was continued progress in eradicating FMD. Further details will be announced shortly and we hope to have the new system in place from Monday 11 February.
From the start of these arrangements, cattle markets will be allowed to resume, but for sheep and pigs, slaughter markets only will be allowed initially. The question of whether to allow other sheep and pig markets will be kept under review in the light of veterinary and scientific advice.
When markets do reopen, they will be subject to strict conditions to ensure that an appropriate level of biosecurity is maintained.