British MPs to be quizzed about FMD controls

British MPs are to be quizzed today about the level of controls they have in place to prevent an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease from spreading to Ireland.

The matter is to be raised at today's meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body in Oxfordshire.

Last week, the virus leaked through underground pipes at the Pirbright laboratory in Surrey, which was the source of another infection several weeks ago.

Fianna Fáil TD Johnny Brady, who is attending the meeting, says it is vital that controls are put in place to make sure this does not happen again.