Chamber
Plenary, 10 May 2001
10 May 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Question Time
Foot-and-mouth Disease
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Taking into account the epidemiological evidence that is available to me and in the light of the changing pattern of disease, I continue to review all the current regulations in conjunction with the state veterinary service, including the point that was raised on collection centres.
As I have explained to the chamber previously, I face two conflicting difficulties with the status of the PFA. The current area is satisfactory but, as the member will be well aware, a substantial proportion of our slaughtering and processing capacity is placed in that area, which has a dislocating effect on the rest of the meat industry, especially in the at-risk area. If I were to declare the area completely risk-free, I might put at risk the difficult process of trying to move animals out of the at-risk area into the PFA for the purpose of continuing the meat trade. We are wrestling with that balance. I assure the member that we will continue to consider the matter on a regular basis. Our objective is to dismantle the restrictions as quickly as possible, consistent with the control of the disease.
As I have explained to the chamber previously, I face two conflicting difficulties with the status of the PFA. The current area is satisfactory but, as the member will be well aware, a substantial proportion of our slaughtering and processing capacity is placed in that area, which has a dislocating effect on the rest of the meat industry, especially in the at-risk area. If I were to declare the area completely risk-free, I might put at risk the difficult process of trying to move animals out of the at-risk area into the PFA for the purpose of continuing the meat trade. We are wrestling with that balance. I assure the member that we will continue to consider the matter on a regular basis. Our objective is to dismantle the restrictions as quickly as possible, consistent with the control of the disease.
In the same item of business
3. Dennis Canavan (Falkirk West):
*
To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date position is in relation to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. (S1O-3401)
The Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Ross Finnie):
LD
As at 10 am today, there have been 182 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland. That means that no new cases have been reported in Scotland sin...
Dennis Canavan:
*
Is it any wonder that people are confused when they hear the First Minister telling America that Scotland is open for business while the reality is that much...
Ross Finnie:
LD
I do not think that there is any inconsistency in our position. What the First Minister said in America was absolutely right. However, Mr Canavan has pointed...
Richard Lochhead (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I have two questions that relate to the provisionally free area. When can the collection centres be used for store cattle? Can we expect a resumption of expo...
Ross Finnie:
LD
We have opened collection centres but not yet for store cattle. I hope that that will be the next move and that it will happen relatively soon. In respect of...
Nick Johnston (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
What plans does the minister have to review the status of the provisionally free area so that the provisional tag may ultimately be removed? What is the like...
Ross Finnie:
LD
Taking into account the epidemiological evidence that is available to me and in the light of the changing pattern of disease, I continue to review all the cu...