TRADITIONAL livestock markets are under threat because of Government restrictions, says Ryedale MP John Greenway.

The 20-day ruling, introduced in the wake of last year's foot and mouth crisis, means that the auctions, which traditionally gather momentum in the autumn, are at risk of being crippled.

"I have written to the relevant minister about this, because we really do need to get these 20-day movement restrictions amended," said Mr Greenway..

"This is going to be a major problem, because if farmers go to market and don't get the price they want they won't be able to take their animals to another market for 20 days.

"This will slow down the whole system and will mean farmers will attend these auctions less regularly."

Laurie Norris, from the National Farmers' Union, said her organisation is lobbying the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a change to the rules.

"We would like the 20-day rule scrapped completely but even if it was just shortened to a week, that would give people a lot more leeway," she said.

"If you bring anything onto your farm it locks up your farm for 20 days. It has been proved there is no foot and mouth in this country so it should be scrapped.

"The rule is not practical and people are still taking adequate measures to prevent the disease from returning.

"If the rules remain in place they will disrupt sales and cripple the markets."

Peter Woodall, from Cundall's Auction Market, in Malton, said the rules were a restriction which would stop farmers going to market as often as they like.

As spokesman from DEFRA said changes to the rules would depend on future decisions.

"We have been talking with the minister for some time about this issue," he said. "There will be another stakeholders meeting this coming Monday about the issue."

Rosie Dunn, a sheep farmer from Stockton-on-the-Forest, said she was more concerned for the future of live auctions than farmers.

"It is very worrying for farmers because it could lead to the demise of live markets," she said. "If that happens, farmers will have to deal directly with the abattoirs and this could drive down prices."

Meanwhile, Knaresborough and Ripon livestock markets will stay closed this year because of remaining foot and mouth restrictions.

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, August 01, 2002