HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc457-8
3. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the undertaking given by him to the farmers of Shropshire and Cheshire concerning the pound-for-pound contribution to be made by Her Majesty's Government to the appeal for foot-and-mouth disease compensation, why he has now decided to exclude self-benefiting contributions from the scheme.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

There are certain aspects of this matter which I am still considering. I will make an announcement as soon as possible after Easter.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Will the Minister bear in mind that no researches indicate that either he or his Ministry at any time said that self-benefiting contributions would be excluded? Many people take the view that the decision to exclude them is rather like changing the rules during the course of the match.

Mr. Hughes

I am satisfied that self-benefiting contributions of the type of which the hon. Gentleman is aware are outwith the spirit of the scheme. However, I am giving this question very careful consideration and I do not want to pre-empt a final decision on it now.

Mr. Godber

I do not want to embarrass the Minister if he is giving further consideration to this question. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will pay full regard to what my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt) said. When the scheme was announced in the House there was no indication that any contribution would be barred. I hope that the Minister will look at this matter very carefully, because there are people who have suffered materially and, as I said in the House previously, this money should be paid by the Government as they committed themselves to a contribution.

Mr Hughes

I should be grateful if the right hon. Gentleman would consider very carefuly the type of contribution which has recently been organised by farmers in the affected area, with whom I have considerable sympathy. I do not want to pre-judge the issue now. I will make a statement as soon as I can.

Mr. Biffen

Is the Minister aware that a very sizeable amount is locked up in the latest contribution by the farmers which they hope will be matched by the Ministry? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the anxiety that there is for an early decision to be reached and the hope that the matter will be investigated with a great deal of sympathy?

Mr. Hughes

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point.

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