§ Mr. GummerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she
750W
UK Imports of food, feed and drink from EC countries: October 2000-September 20011 £ million Product group/type France Netherlands Irish Republic Germany Spain Italy Denmark Beverages Beer 30 35 51 54 11 7 1 Cider and other fermented beverages 1 3 5 7 0 0 0 Mineral water 99 43 34 17 3 8 5 Other spirits 78 12 56 4 4 89 0 has to link future claims for compensation for loss of livestock to the implementation of biosecurity recommendations. [23631]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Animal Health Bill provides for the payment of compensation following infection with foot and mouth disease to be linked to good practice in maintaining adequate levels of biosecurity on affected farms. All farmers will qualify for 75 per cent. of market value, with the payment of any additional amount being subject to an assessment of biosecurity and related matters. Under this adjusted compensation scheme farmers will be incentivised to maintain effective biosecurity. This will benefit responsible farmers and the wider community by helping to limit the spread of disease.
The Bill also provides powers to enable the extension of the provisions on adjusted compensation to other animal diseases, should we decide that it is necessary. This would be done by order, subject to affirmative resolution.