Baroness highlights the plight of farmers
Thursday, 29th March 2001.
BARONESS Ros Scott, Suffolk county councillor and Liberal Democrat peer, urged fellow peers to spare a thought for the beleaguered farmers of East Anglia who are in the grip of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
The Baroness, who was speaking in the House of Lords during a debate on Thursday night about the outbreak of swine fever, reminded members that it was in Suffolk that swine fever first broke out, and after a particularly difficult period for farmers.
She told the House: "The pig industry in East Anglia was already under pressure due to the high pound, the BSE tax, cheap imports and the lack of European aid for pig producers when it was hit by the swine fever outbreak.
"During the outbreak more than a quarter of a million pigs were slaughtered and many businesses jeopardised as a result."
Baroness Scott called for closer workings between the pig industry and local authorities and agencies.
She also called for tighter controls of pig meat in the case of countries with high incidence of swine fever and harsher penalties for illegal importation.
Shepreth Wildlife Park is now open again for business.
The centre closed after half-term holiday as a precaution against the foot-and-mouth outbreak, but owner Jake Willers decided to reopen at the weekend.
He said the park would lose thousands of pounds if it excluded visitors during the busy Easter and April periods - and might have to close for good if it lost anymore.
Precautions have been put in place to protect the animals at the park.
Visitors are asked to come in wellington boots, straw coated with disinfect has been laid across the driveway to prevent the diesease being carried in on car tyres, and foot dips have been placed at the extrance and exit to the shop.
Admission to the wildlife park costs £3.95 for adults and £3.50 for pensioners and £2.95 for children.
A combined ticket, giving admission to Water World and Bug City, tje fish and insect houses. costs £5.30 for adults, £4.50 for pensioners and £3.70 for children.
The Baroness, who was speaking in the House of Lords during a debate on Thursday night about the outbreak of swine fever, reminded members that it was in Suffolk that swine fever first broke out, and after a particularly difficult period for farmers.
She told the House: "The pig industry in East Anglia was already under pressure due to the high pound, the BSE tax, cheap imports and the lack of European aid for pig producers when it was hit by the swine fever outbreak.
"During the outbreak more than a quarter of a million pigs were slaughtered and many businesses jeopardised as a result."
Baroness Scott called for closer workings between the pig industry and local authorities and agencies.
She also called for tighter controls of pig meat in the case of countries with high incidence of swine fever and harsher penalties for illegal importation.
Shepreth Wildlife Park is now open again for business.
The centre closed after half-term holiday as a precaution against the foot-and-mouth outbreak, but owner Jake Willers decided to reopen at the weekend.
He said the park would lose thousands of pounds if it excluded visitors during the busy Easter and April periods - and might have to close for good if it lost anymore.
Precautions have been put in place to protect the animals at the park.
Visitors are asked to come in wellington boots, straw coated with disinfect has been laid across the driveway to prevent the diesease being carried in on car tyres, and foot dips have been placed at the extrance and exit to the shop.
Admission to the wildlife park costs £3.95 for adults and £3.50 for pensioners and £2.95 for children.
A combined ticket, giving admission to Water World and Bug City, tje fish and insect houses. costs £5.30 for adults, £4.50 for pensioners and £3.70 for children.
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