We will use the full range of safe disposal routes available to us. Regular, vigorous representations on the price of red meat have been received from all sectors of the industry since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. However, since official deadweight price reporting of cattle has recommenced and the exchange of information on sheep and pig prices has improved, the level has reduced significantly. Issues relating to pricing policies and unfair competition are a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. For the duration of the outbreak, we are using the weekly foot and mouth disease stakeholders meetings to stress the need to keep journeys as short as possible.
All movement is banned subject to restricted and limited journeys under licence.
Where necessary to move animals for welfare reasons, then this is subject to strict controls. For the longer term, we agree that we will need to look very closely at long distance livestock movements, both on animal health and welfare grounds. This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr. Barons did not meet the criteria for the Occupational Movement Scheme and the Local Movement Scheme. The Longer Distance Movement Licence Scheme is now in place and will hopefully meet the needs he has.