Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-03-14-Speech-3-195"
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"en.20010314.7.3-195"2
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"Mr President, if uncontrolled, foot-and-mouth disease has the potential to wipe out EU livestock production, culminating in major job losses in the agri-food sector and seriously disrupting normal life.
As the House is aware, the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth was confirmed in Great Britain just a few weeks ago. Since then it has spread at a frightening rate, resulting in the destruction of thousands of animals. The financial implications are considerable. The psychological impact on farmers, not just in Great Britain but also in Ireland, is a matter of great concern. Let us not underestimate the social consequences of this catastrophe. We all know that foot-and-mouth is a difficult disease to control, but its implications for European agriculture and the broader European economy require that the most stringent controls be put in place and enforced.
I acknowledge that for the British Government the situation is difficult. However, there is nothing to be gained at this stage by apportioning blame. I certainly sympathise with the plight of British farmers. I believe the scale of the disaster and the rapidity with which it has spread demand not just stronger action by the British authorities but also continuing EU intervention. I compliment Commissioner Byrne on his measured and positive response to the crisis.
The threat that foot-and-mouth represents to the Community as a whole is a matter that cannot be left to the control measures in individual Member States. I call on the Commission to appoint a special task force to oversee the implementation and the enforcement of regulations in the countries concerned. The work and guidance of the Standing Veterinary Committee is, of course, important in this regard.
The House will understand if I highlight the seriousness of the situation for Ireland, where very strict controls already are in place. I should like to acknowledge the understanding of the public and the level of cooperation between the authorities north and south of the border. It is ironic that it has taken this dreaded disease to bring home to our people not just the implications for farmers but also the consequences for employment in the food industry, the impact on food exports and the economic threat to tourism and other commercial activities."@en1
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