David Ruffley MP will be personally visiting the Animal Health Divisional Office in Bury St Edmunds on Friday 16 November at 3pm to ensure that promises he received in the House of Commons, from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, have been delivered.

David will also be addressing a public meeting in Redgrave at 5.30pm to report back to local residents.

David, speaking this week in a House of Commons Debate on the outbreak of avian influenza in Suffolk, pressed the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hillary Benn MP, to ensure that the Bury St Edmunds Animal Health Divisional Office is given additional support to help cope with the crisis.

The outbreak has occurred at Redgrave Park Farm which falls within David Ruffley's constituency.

David said:

'These are incredibly difficult times for the Suffolk farming community. This outbreak of avian influenza in Redgrave, now confirmed as the H5N1 strain, comes on the back of bluetongue disease and puts even more pressure on hard working farmers and veterinary workers in our community.

'My deepest sympathy is with all those involved at Redgrave Park Farm and I will be doing everything I can to offer my support.

'This week, in the House of Commons, I personally sought assurances from the Secretary of State, Hillary Benn, that additional resources would be given to the Bury St Edmunds Animal Health Divisional Office to ensure that the already over stretched staff would not be deflected from monitoring the bluetongue situation here in Suffolk.

'Clearly the local Animal Health Office is vital in containing and stamping out avian influenza. I will be visiting them tomorrow to check that the promises of extra support that the Secretary of State gave me have been delivered.

'Later in the day I will be addressing a public meeting in Redgrave to report back to local people who are, quite understandably, deeply concerned by this crisis.

'I have been in contact with the NFU and will continue to monitor the situation here in my constituency so that I can reassure Suffolk residents that everything possible is being done to contain this outbreak.'