Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many exercises have been undertaken by (a) her Department and (b) the State Veterinary Service to determine policy to combat an outbreak of avian influenza.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many exercises have been undertaken by (a) her Department and (b) the State Veterinary Service to determine policy to combat an outbreak of avian influenza. [222979] Mr. Bradshaw: The Department held a tabletop exercise in June 2003 to explore the policy and operational issues arising from an outbreak of avian influenza and to develop its contingency plans. The State Veterinary Service has subsequently held five exercises to test its operational plans for an avian influenza outbreak. Additionally, a major national-scale exercise is currently being planned by the SVS on behalf of the department for spring 2006.

Secondary information