§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of livestock movement controls on agricultural shows; and if she will make a statement. [90386]
§ Mr. MorleyThe current rules already allow animals of all species to move to shows even if there is a standstill in place on their farm of origin, to move from show to show or to return to their farm of origin without triggering a 20-day standstill, provided they are individually identified and kept in isolation for 20 days before the first show, between shows, and on final return to the farm.
A detailed risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the 20-day standstill is currently being carried out in line with the FMD Inquiry recommendations. We 728W hope to be able to take account of the emerging findings to make decisions soon so that any agreed changes can be introduced in time for the 2003 spring movement season.