Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
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MP demands help for local farmers
Lewes MP Norman Baker this week introduced an adjournment debate in Westminster Hall to highlight the dangers of bovine tuberculosis and bluetongue to the local farming community, and call for a clear government strategy for dealing with these threats.
Bovine tuberculosis 'hotspots' have been identified in the Cuckmere and Ouse Valleys and local cattle herds have been adversely affected. Meanwhile, bluetongue, which affects sheep and cattle, has been spreading northward through Europe since 1998 and in August 2006 cases of bluetongue were found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Holland Germany, Luxembourg and France. The Kent coast is now under threat from the spread of the diseases across the channel, which could subsequently reach East Sussex.
Mr Baker called on the Environment Minister, Ian Pearson MP, to ensure that the government takes action in order to combat bovine tuberculosis in the Lewes constituency, and has proper contingency plans in place in order to deal with a potential outbreak of bluetongue.
Speaking after the debate Norman Baker said:
"Bovine tuberculosis and bluetongue pose serious threats to the farming communities in East Sussex.
"After the disastrous way in which government dealt with the foot and mouth and BSE outbreaks it is essential that the government has a clear strategy to prevent any further damage to the farming community, not to mention the welfare implications for the animals themselves. I will continue to put pressure on the government to ensure that the proper safeguards are put in place to protect against bovine TB and bluetongue."