HC Deb 18 July 2002 vol 389 cc477-8W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to remove the 20-day restriction on the movement of livestock in Cumbria. [64867]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 27 June 2002]The 20-day standstill rule is backed by firm scientific and veterinary advice. A number of exceptions to the standstill have been permitted, subject to veterinary advice, where other risk mitigation measures can be operated.

The Government are in dialogue with industry stakeholders about the economic impact of the standstill and to assess whether it should be retained in the short and medium-term. No decisions will be made prior to publication of the FMD inquiry reports.