Cattle markets in the North-East can re-start from next February, the Government announced today.

The significant easing of movement restrictions would also allow agricultural shows without sheep to commence at the same time.

A move from individual to general licences for movements would allow cattle markets which meet strict conditions to insure biosecurity to begin from the middle of February.

Sheep and pigs could, from the same date, be moved to slaughter markets, Lord Whitty, Minister for Food and Farming announced today.