This bill, from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Nick Palmer (Broxtowe), simply aims to limit the distance that farm animals may be transported in any one-week period. Palmer claims that the bill will have three main effects: reduce animal suffering; lower the risk of epidemics, and; restore the market for local abattoirs. The bill is obviously a topical one given the suffering and slaughter of animals in the current foot and mouth epidemic.

In his speech under the ten-minute rule procedure on May 1, Palmer recognised that the bill would have the effect of increasing the price of meat - he estimated that it would increase by five per cent. This extra money should be, according to Palmer, invested "in higher standards for the animals' sake and for Britain's sake".

The bill, despite having the backing of Labour and Tory MPs, stands no chance of becoming law in the current session of Parliament even though its introduction was not opposed.

House of Commons

First reading: May 1 2001

The bill fell at the end of the 1997-2001 Parliament