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Farmers demand haulage law change | Farmers demand haulage law change |
(about 9 hours later) | |
The National Farmers Union in Scotland has criticised the UK Government's reluctance to relax haulage rules following the foot and mouth outbreak. | The National Farmers Union in Scotland has criticised the UK Government's reluctance to relax haulage rules following the foot and mouth outbreak. |
The criticism comes after it emerged many animals, which should have been sold or slaughtered, have not been because of movement restrictions. | The criticism comes after it emerged many animals, which should have been sold or slaughtered, have not been because of movement restrictions. |
The situation has resulted in a backlog for haulage firms charged with trying to move the animals. | The situation has resulted in a backlog for haulage firms charged with trying to move the animals. |
Current haulage laws restrict drivers to 90 hours driving a fortnight. | Current haulage laws restrict drivers to 90 hours driving a fortnight. |
The National Famers Union (NFU) in Scotland wanted the problem addressed with a temporary relaxation of the haulage legislation, until demand returned to normal. | The National Famers Union (NFU) in Scotland wanted the problem addressed with a temporary relaxation of the haulage legislation, until demand returned to normal. |
Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm Nigel MillerNFUS | Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm Nigel MillerNFUS |
In an attempt to try to overcome the current problem, livestock sales have been arranged over a shorter time frame. | In an attempt to try to overcome the current problem, livestock sales have been arranged over a shorter time frame. |
But the NFU said it had already received anecdotal reports of some animals being left at markets due to the lack of transportation. | But the NFU said it had already received anecdotal reports of some animals being left at markets due to the lack of transportation. |
The union, which has secured the support of the Scottish Government, said it cannot understand why Westminster has so far failed to act. | The union, which has secured the support of the Scottish Government, said it cannot understand why Westminster has so far failed to act. |
The warning comes as farmers gather for Europe's biggest single day sheep sale, taking place at Lairg. | The warning comes as farmers gather for Europe's biggest single day sheep sale, taking place at Lairg. |
NFUS vice president, Nigel Miller, said: "Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm. | NFUS vice president, Nigel Miller, said: "Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm. |
"All we are looking for is a temporary relaxation, similar to that we received in 2001, to clear the backlog that has developed over the last month." | "All we are looking for is a temporary relaxation, similar to that we received in 2001, to clear the backlog that has developed over the last month." |
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The FMD restrictions have created severe pressure on haulage capacity in Scotland at the most important time of year for animal sales and movement. | |
"This will restrict the Scottish livestock industry's attempts to return to normal. | |
"I have written to Ruth Kelly to seek the UK Government's support and cooperation in addressing this issue." |
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