§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to persuade the Scottish Executive to introduce, in the near future, legislation relating to the control of foot and mouth disease in order to safeguard the position in England. (HL2380]
4WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Animal health is a devolved matter in Scotland. Scottish Ministers have stated that they support the principle of new legislation on disease control, and propose to take this forward under the timetable and procedures of the Scottish Parliament.
I understand that Scottish Ministers hope to issue a consultation on proposed legislative changes shortly.
However, I understand that if there were to be a resurgence of foot and mouth disease or an outbreak of another serious animal disease Scottish Ministers would review the situation urgently and consider bringing forward emergency legislation.