PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has called for a tough crackdown on farmers who knowingly break the foot and mouth rules.

He wants action against those who irresponsibly move livestock without proper authority.

And he told the Evening Telegraph that if it was true that some farmers were deliberately infecting their flocks to claim compensation, they should go to prison.

The Pendle Labour MP asked in the Commons: "Does it not beggar belief that there should be any unauthorised movements at all? Seven weeks into this contagion, there are still farmers moving livestock which can contaminate healthy beasts.

"If we track down those irresponsible farmers, what sanctions can we use against them?"

Mr Brown said: "Those who break the law will be prosecuted, and prosecutions are pending."

Coun Peter Redpath, leader of Ribble Valley Council said he was concerned to hear of allegations that some farmers had been illegally moving livestock.