UK to step up foot-and-mouth animal slaughter
The British Government is examining ways of stepping up the slaughter of animals in areas most affected by foot-and-mouth.
The Prime Minister told the Commons it may be a sensible policy to intensify the slaughter of animals, not directly suffering from the disease, but which had come into contact with others that were.
William Hague said the country was "in the grip of a national crisis" and called for the exemption from rates of tourism businesses worst hit by the outbreak.
Mr Blair said ministers would look at "all the measures necessary to help them" and promised a statement on the Government's response to the mounting crisis tomorrow.
Amid mounting pressure on ministers to delay the local elections and possibly a general election on May 3, the foot-and-mouth issue dominated the 30-minute session.
Mr Hague joined with the Prime Minister in paying tribute to those working to prevent the spread of the disease.
"Since we discussed it two weeks ago at question time there is no doubt that we are in the grip of a national crisis," he said.
"We have supported and continue to support the measures the Government has taken.
"But given that the spread of the disease is clearly not yet under control will you consider several additional measures to control it more tightly and use more of the available resources for dealing with it?"
