Mr. Jim McGovern (Dundee, West) (Lab): I assume that the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) tabled the question before the first incidence of avian flu occurred in the UK. Given that it happened in Scotland—the Scottish Executive dealt with it well—it highlighted an interesting division of responsibility between the Scottish Executive and DEFRA. What plans are in place to ensure total co-operation north and south of the border and that any emergency measures, if required, are rolled out smoothly and consistently throughout the UK?

Mr. Bradshaw: I assure my hon. Friend that the co-operation was total and extremely good from the beginning. The Scottish Executive took part in the daily Cobra meetings by video link. I was in regular contact with Ross Finnie, my Scottish counterpart, and the Secretary of State was intimately involved at all times. The way in which the outbreak in Scotland was handled is a good example of our working together extremely well within the devolutionary settlement, despite the potential for some complication.