POTATO RING ROT MUST NOT BECOME ANOTHER DEFRA FIASCO, WARNS GUILDFORD MP

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Nov 2003

Guildford MP and Lib Dem DEFRA spokesperson, Sue Doughty MP, today warned that it is essential that the Potato Ring Rot outbreak must not be built into another fiasco on the scale seen over Foot and Mouth disease.

She said:

"It is vital that this outbreak is contained as rapidly as possible to avoid any negative effects on the countryside or on farmers. DEFRA must ensure that all action is taken to restore the industry to Disease Free Status to enable our farmers to export high quality potatoes.

"It is clear that the farmer concerned has operated to the highest standards, but I have concerns about the inspection regime which allowed the potatoes to escape early detection. I now expect the government to review its testing system. They must also review compensation schemes in place in those parts of Europe where Ring Rot exists and to expedite any claims made to ensure that yet again, our farmers are not left waiting months for any payments