§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when copies of(a) the report of the Rural Task Force and (b) Lord Haskins' report were made available to the media. [9922]
§ Margaret BeckettI regret that this reply has been overlooked. Copies of both the report of the Rural Task Force and Lord Haskins' report were made available to the media at a press conference held in my Department on 18 October 2001—the day of publication.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what instructions regarding preparations for foot and mouth were issued to the Meat Hygiene Service between 1 December and 1 February 2001; and if she will make a statement. [52312]
§ Margaret BeckettNo new or special instructions were issued.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect foot and mouth had on the Krebs experiment. [53911]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 May 2002]: Field operations associated with the trial were suspended during the foot and mouth disease outbreak because of the disease risk posed by operatives on agricultural land. The Independent Scientific Group (ISG) has considered the 48W impact of FMD on the trial and advised that the delivery of results will only be delayed by three to four months to 2004–05.