6 August 2007
AGR 07/07
COMMITTEE DISCUSSES FOOT AND MOUTH OUTBREAK WITH MINISTER
The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development met with Michelle Gildernew MP, the Minster for Agriculture and Rural Development, in Dundonald House this morning to discuss developments in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak in southern England.
The Minister and senior officials updated the Committee on the action taken to date and then answered questions from the Committee.
Tom Elliott, Committee Deputy Chairperson said:
“The Committee welcomed the opportunity to discuss these matters with the Minister and her officials. We are satisfied that the decisive action taken to date is fully justified and will go someway to protecting one of our key industries. While it appears that this outbreak may be limited and has been contained, it is important that we are not complacent and would urge everyone to follow the guidance from the Department.
The Committee is pleased that the European Commission has announced no need for further measures after the UK government imposed its own bans on animal and produce exports and on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland has rightly been excluded from the export and movement bans but this will only continue as long as we are vigilant.”
Committee Membership :
Dr William McCrea MP, Chairperson
Tom Elliott, Deputy Chairperson
P.J. Bradley
Allan Bresland
Thomas Burns
Trevor Clarke
Willie Clarke
William Irwin
Gerry McHugh
Francie Molloy
George Savage
Information about today’s meeting can be obtained from: -
Paddy Price
Information Office, Parliament Buildings
Tel: 028 9052 1137
Mr Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee
Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development,
Room 410,
Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521063.
Fax 028 90521939.