News story

4th April 2001

Foot & Mouth - Role for Army

Following discussions with local farmers affected by Foot and Mouth Disease, Northavon MP Steve Webb has called on the Government to give the Army a much more extensive role in helping to deal with the present crisis. At present, the Army’s role is mainly an organisational one, with strict limits on the work that they can do. But many farmers feel that the crisis could be handled much more effectively if they were given powers to intervene much more extensively and to assist with, for example, the disposal of slaughtered animals.

Steve Webb said:

“The delays in disposal are one of the biggest problems in dealing with the present crisis and are causing considerable distress to farmers and local residents. The Army could be used to cut through the red-tape which is holding up the disposal process and could use their practical skills to speed up the process”.

Earlier this week the MP tabled a question to Agriculture Ministers asking why the Army had been given such a limited role and calling for a much wider remit for the Army. A written answer is expected in the next few days.

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