CALL FOR ACTION TO HALT
LIVESTOCK MARKET CLOSURES
One third of livestock markets have closed since 1997, according to figures
released by the Liberal Democrats today. Andrew George MP, their Shadow
Rural Affairs Secretary, has now written to Margaret Beckett to urge her to
act quickly to put a brake on market closures, which we fear could weaken
bio-security controls, dilute animal welfare considerations and undermine
the social fabric of the countryside. Mr George has recommended that Mrs
Beckett "applies the same 'rural proofing' tests to the future of livestock
markets as she claims she applies to the policies of other Government
departments".
The figures show that there are now just 139 livestock markets in England
and Wales, compared with 204 in 1997 when Labour came to power. Mr George
is now calling on the Government to set out a clear Government policy for
the future development of livestock markets.
Mr George said, "This rapid drift towards fewer but much larger markets is
undermining the social fabric of the countryside in livestock areas. This
trend can only weaken bio-security controls as livestock from a far wider
geographical area come in close proximity to each other and it dilutes
animal welfare considerations as animals travel far greater distances to
market.
"This whole thing makes a complete nonsense of DEFRA's claim that it is
'rural proofing' the work of other Government departments when they
themselves fail so spectacularly to maintain one of the bedrocks of the
social fabric of rural life.
"I fear that these closures are adding to the strong sense of isolation
amongst many livestock farmers. Added to which many believe that the
concentration in a few centres allows larger retailers and abattoirs to set
prices," said Mr George.
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