§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what changes have been made in the 20 day rule on animal movements since its introduction; and if she will make a statement. [79405]
§ Mr. MorleyA number of changes to the 20 day whole farm standstill rule have been made over recent months, following detailed discussions with industry and veterinary organisations. These include exemptions, subject to risk mitigating conditions, for breeding animals, calves, tack sheep and all movements direct to slaughter. Most recently, an exemption from the whole farm standstill was introduced on 6 September 2002 for cattle and sheep moved for breeding purposes, if they remain in approved isolation facilities for 20 days.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an amendment to the 20 day standstill rule in the event of livestock being brought to feed for a period ranging from three to 12 months where the bid price is not reached to enable the producer to take livestock home and to prevent cattle and sheep from being slaughtered. [79437]
§ Mr. MorleyThe mixing of animals at auction markets and their subsequent dispersal poses a particular disease risk so it is unlikely that any special exemptions to the 20 day rule will be introduced to cover these particular circumstances.
More generally, future animal movement controls will reflect the outcome of the detailed risk assessment and cost benefit analysis which is being carried out in line with the FMD Inquiry recommendations. We hope to be able to take account of emerging findings when we make decisions about any changes to the current rules in time for the 2003 Spring movement season.