HC Deb 04 June 1924 vol 174 c1250
79. Mr. ALSTEAD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the amounts of compensation paid for dairy cattle slaughtered in Cheshire during the earlier months of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease have fallen far short of the cost of replacement; that owing to the rise in values consequent upon the reduction in the numbers of cattle in the country, as recognised by the Ministry in their later valuations, grave injustice has been inflicted on the farmers first affected by the disease, and if he will take steps to remedy these inequalities; and will he explain why the Cheshire chamber of agriculture is refused permission to scrutinise the list of valuations?

Mr. PARKINSON

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the replies given yesterday to two questions on this subject put to him by the hon. Member for Wirral.

Major WHELER

Does the hon. Member realise that this question applies not only to Cheshire but to many other counties?

Mr. ALSTEAD

Does the hon. Member quite realise that it is absolutely impossible to replace the stock on these farms at the prices now ruling for cattle or to replace those which have been destroyed?

Mr. PARKINSON

I think that point was covered yesterday.