TORY MP Peter Luff today claimed carcases could be sent from as far away as Devon to be dumped at Throckmorton airfield.

He said senior Ministry of Defence sources had confirmed slaughtered animals from Worcestershire had been taken to Devon for disposal.

And they told him it would be much less dangerous for animals killed in "contiguous" - adjacent - foot-and-mouth culls to be brought in the opposite direction.

He now believes that Throckmorton burial pit will be forced to return the favour.

The Mid-Worcestershire MP said: "When I pressed my sources on their plans, they refused to rule out the possibility and implied the matter was under active consideration.

"I'm not saying it will happen - but I think it is very likely.

"I've already told Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary, that I'll resist any such plans strongly.

"Devon must deal with its own carcases."

Mr Luff has tabled a written Parliamentary question calling for clarification on the issue.

He added: "Our burial pit was imposed on us, but we received commitments it would only take reasonably local carcases.

"Any change to this would be a serious breach of faith that I believe local residents would not tolerate."

It is the second time in only two days Mr Luff has clashed with Ministers over the use of Throckmorton.

Yesterday he said he was "amazed" to learn the Government was pressing ahead with plans to sell off part of the airfield despite its use as a burial ground.

Tens of thousands of cattle and sheep slaughtered because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak are being dumped at the site.

Mr Luff had hoped this would force a re-think of plans to use part of the site for industrial development.