HC Deb 25 March 1976 vol 908 cc617-9
11. Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will backdate the increased compensation payments under the new brucellosis eradication schemes to 1st November 1975.

Mr. Strang

My right hon. Friends the Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland are considering this matter in the light of the representations that have been made.

Mr. Steel

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am pleased to hear that answer? However, will he take on board the fact that the NFU was negotiating this matter way back last June and that farmers in Roxburghshire and probably elsewhere allowed their cattle to be slaughtered because they thought that the payments would take effect from last November and they now face serious financial losses unless this decision is reconsidered?

Mr. Strang

These are some of the arguments that we are considering. However, the hon. Gentleman will understand that we have to take these decisions against the background of the Government's constraints on public expenditure.

Mr. Monro

Does the Minister accept that this is a very serious problem? Will he consider giving way about the date of 1st November and going back to the beginning of the eradication year, which was 1st June for many areas in Scotland and in the rest of the United Kingdom? Will he consider this matter urgently, because many farmers wish to purchase stock now?

Mr. Strang

We are giving it urgent consideration. However, the hon. Gentleman is going a little far when he talks about retrospection further back than 1st November. All the discussions have been on the basis that the claim is for retrospection to 1st November.

Mr. Boscawen

Although we welcome the increase in the upper limit of compensation outside Scotland, there are still problems for herds in areas which are not compulsorily eradication areas. Although they get compensation still, farmers are at much greater risk in those areas than in compulsory eradication areas. Will the Minister ensure that something is done to improve the amount going to these areas to encourage those in eradication-free areas to stay in the scheme?

Mr. Strang

I cannot accept that there are not continuing benefits for herds to remain in the scheme. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will have welcomed our announcement some time ago outlining our plans for the complete eradication of brucellosis.