HL Deb 10 May 2001 vol 625 cc227-8WA
Lord Inglewood

asked Her Majesty's Goverment:

How long it takes from the receipt of agreement to the value of slaughtered foot and mouth stock until the payment of the compensation. [HL1579]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

All farmers are paid full market value as compensation for any animals slaughtered as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak. Stock is valued immediately prior to slaughter and the Ministry's target is to process and pay all compensation claims within three weeks of slaughter. The Ministry is putting in further resources to help meet this target. However, we are aware that in some areas such as Cumbria, where a particularly large number of claims have had to be made, this target is not being met. This is a problem that is currently being addressed and the Ministry is doing all it can to process all claims as quickly as possible.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who is responsible for paying compensation to farmers for animals slaughtered on account of foot and mouth. [HL1692]

Baroness Hayman

My right honourable friend the Minister is responsible in Great Britain for paying compensation to farmers for animals slaughtered on account of foot and mouth. In Northern Ireland my right honourable friend the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (Brid Rodgers) is responsible.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How long farmers should have to wait between slaughter of animals on account of foot and mouth and receipt of compensation. [HL1693]

Baroness Hayman

The Government's target is to pay compensation to farmers within three weeks of slaughter. The Ministry is putting in further resources to help meet this target. However, we are aware that in some areas such as Cumbria, where a particularly large number of claims have had to be made, this target is not being met. This is a problem that is currently being addressed and the Ministry is doing all it can to process all claims as quickly as possible.

Lord Palmer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the cost so far of compensation to farmers for slaughter of animals infected by foot and mouth disease; and what is the cost so far of compensation for contiguous culls. [HL2048]

Baroness Hayman

The estimate of total compensation payable up to 5 May is £629 million. This figure cannot be broken down to show the cost for animals slaughtered on contiguous premises.