THE Settle-Skipton-Clitheroe area remained free of new outbreaks of foot and mouth for the eighth day running but there was another outbreak near Leyburn in an area thought to be clear.

In Skipton, the well-known auctioneers and land agents, David Hill, are planning a video-sales operation to sell dairy cattle which, although in disease-free areas like Keighley, are still subject to movement restrictions.

The firm is expecting a big demand later in the year when culled areas can be re-stocked and will film cattle for potential buyers.

Meanwhile, in the House of Commons, political squabbling continued over Opposition demands for a full-scale public enquiry into the Government's handling of the crisis.