Listen
Foot and Mouth
27/09/2007
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment today met key representatives of Scotland's livestock industry to discuss the imminent crisis caused by the foot and mouth outbreak in England.
He said:
"The Scottish Government continues to work hard for our farmers and the wider livestock industry at this critical time.
"From today's meeting it is clear that the entire Scottish livestock industry is united in calling for action for a sheep welfare scheme and a relaxation in drivers' hours.
"Time is running out - and so is the feed for these lambs and the longer this goes on, the greater the pressure is for moving them.
"I will, again be raising the industry's concerns, outlined in their open letter, directly with Hilary Benn. The ball is now firmly in Westminster's court. I am appealing to the UK Government to listen to Scotland and respond positively to this powerful and urgent case. The UK Government have a political and moral responsibility to act now.
"I had very encouraging talks yesterday with the European Commission in Brussels on a number of issues including the welfare scheme and the potential for resuming Scottish exports.
"The Scottish Government will continue to press for action at European and UK level. Today, we are also announcing further relaxations in the movement which will help ease the burdens on our farmers.
"From midnight tonight, livestock can be brought from the islands and dropped off at three separate farms. Similarly, multiple pick ups of animals going to slaughter will be permitted across Scotland.
"From midnight on Sunday we intend to permit resumption of prime sale markets for slaughter, subject to agreement on stringent veterinary and biosecurity measures.
"We hope to resume general markets as soon as possible. However, we will always be governed by veterinary risk assessment. We will only act when it is judged safe to do so.
The Scottish Government Foot and Mouth helpline number is 08451 553366.