§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on the 20-day standstill rule in Cumbria. [64879]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 27 June 2002]Industry organisations and individual farmers have made a number of representations on the impact of the 20-day standstill both in Cumbria and elsewhere. Ministers and officials are in dialogue with industry representatives about the veterinary justification for the rule and its economic impact.
§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the practical implications of the 20-day standstill order on agricultural shows in Cumbria. [64878]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 27 June 2002]There is firm veterinary and scientific advice in support of a 20-day standstill, both to improve the prospect of detecting disease on infected premises before animals move off, and to slow the rate of spread of any undetected disease.
Animals moving to a show are subject to a 20-day standstill prior to their first move to a show. Animals trigger a 20-day standstill on the whole farm when they return from a show, unless they are kept in approved isolation premises for 20 days. I am aware that a number of show organisers across the country have taken steps to adjust their schedules so as to work with the standstill rules.