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'...knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens...' (Jimi Hendix) |
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Mick Bates |
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Press Releases 2007 |
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| 2007 |
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Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment Mick Bates AM, has sought assurances from the Assembly’s Minister for the Environment that the outbreak of Bird Flu will not be allowed to develop into another crisis of Foot & Mouth proportions, which blighted the countryside and agricultural industry during 2001. In an Urgent Question to the Minister at the Senedd today (Tuesday) Mick Bates said: “The Minister must offer the industry assurance that he has confidence in his offices to carry out sufficient surveillance and monitoring both of poultry flocks and wild birds. It is absolutely vital that organisations with a vested interest, such as the RSPB and the farming bodies, are kept in the loop so their expertise can be called upon whenever necessary. “The most important thing at this time is the protection of public health and I seek assurance from the Minister that we have suitable internal controls in place to protect the UK market and that vaccination should be retained as an option if a further breakout is reported. “At the same time, public confidence must not be undermined and I applaud Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop, for her confirmation that poultry remains safe for public consumption.” Welsh Liberal Democrats continue to campaign for an Independent Food Trade Commission to be established in Wales to work with the industry and investigate the food trade to ensure a fair deal for both consumers and producers. |