18. Mr. loan Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of the recent severe weather conditions on the agriculture and horticulture industries.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIt is still too early to assess fully the effects of the blizzards, flooding and frost that occurred in December and January. In the worst affected areas farmers were cut off and milk could not be collected; ewes were trapped in snow drifts and some other animals were drowned; and buildings and crops were damaged. The efforts of farmers and horticulturists, and the sensible precautions they took, helped to keep down losses. But some suffered badly, and the House will wish to join me in expressing sympathy for them. Throughout the country the staff of my Ministry provided help and advice wherever possible.
Mr. EvansIn addition to expressing his sympathy, will the Minister tell us what action will be taken to help farmers who received assistance from Royal Air Force helicopters but who have now apparently received bills for that assistance?
§ Mr. WalkerWith regard to the use of helicopters, we are following fully the precedents of previous Governments. If help is obtained for the transportation of food supplies, costs are incurred and bills are issued. With the exception of two farmers, the majority managed with food supplies brought overland.