§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason no regulatory impact assessments were carried out by her Department before publication of the(a) Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Order 2002 and 0(b) Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment) Order 2002; and if she will make a statement. [509237]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 24 May 2002]: The Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) 2002 and the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment) Order 2002 are part of the legislation implementing the interim rules on animal movements put in place after last year's outbreak. These Orders were developed in a short timescale in consultation with the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and other industry representatives. They represent a gradual and proportionate easing of restrictions that applied in last 943W year's outbreak, and are based on veterinary advice. They will be reviewed in the light of the findings of the independent inquiries into the foot and mouth outbreak.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to provide financial support for biosecurity measures under the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Amendment Order 2002; and if she will make a statement. [59238]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 24 May 2002]: I have no such plans. It is the responsibility of market operators and show organisers to take the required biosecurity precautions.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with interested individuals and organisations regarding the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment) Order 2002; and if she will make a statement. [59236]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 23 May 2002]: The Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and other show organisers made representations to the Department that the 28 days restriction on the use of land both before and after shows for FMD susceptible livestock would cause many small livestock shows to be cancelled or only go ahead without livestock.
Following further veterinary advice, we introduced the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Amendment Order 2002 so as to lift the 28 day restriction after shows. The measure therefore eases the rules on livestock shows.