§ 27. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in North Wales.
§ Mr. GodberI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. G. Roberts) on 1st November. Since then, eight further secondary outbreaks have been confirmed within the general area and there has been no spread to the mountain flocks. I am happy to say that, provided that there are no last-minute complications, the area in which movement restrictions are in force will be reduced at midnight tonight. The whole of Anglesey and some districts on the mainland more remote from the outbreaks of disease will then be freed from restrictions.
§ Mr. HughesIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that half Anglesey has been a restricted area for a considerable period and that this has meant substantial losses for many farmers in the county? At present, there is no provision for compensation to be paid to those farmers, although the farmers in Caernarvonshire whose cattle have been slaughtered will be compensated. Will the hon. Gentleman consider paying compensation to those farmers in the restricted areas who have suffered very great losses?
§ Mr. GodberI am afraid we have no power to make payments for indirect losses. All direct losses owing to slaughter 597 are fully met. We try to reduce the areas as soon as we can, but these areas are restricted for the protection of farmers by preventing the spread of disease.