Sheep Industry

HC Deb 30 June 1986 vol 100 cc701-2

16. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the present state of the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)

Hon. Members will be aware of the measures that we have taken recently to restrict the movement and slaughter of sheep in certain parts of Wales. It is too early to assess the impact that these restrictions will have on the industry. However, I will repeat the assurance that there is no danger to public health and no reason for consumers to refrain from purchasing and eating lamb.

Mr. Howells

Can the Secretary of State put the minds of farmers at ease by saying that he does not think there will be any need to extend the restrictions to other parts of Wales?

Mr. Edwards

There is no evidence of any need to extend the restrictions to other parts of Wales. We are carrying out intensive monitoring, with the object of taking the area of Anglesey south of the A5 and the whole of Clwyd out. I hope that if the results prove satisfactory later this week—it must depend on the testing—other areas can be taken out. We are carrying out another programme, which will be under way this week, of spot sampling across the whole area to see whether we can address other specific areas and take them out as quickly as we can. We are having to do an intensive programme of monitoring because we must he certain, as we take areas out, that it is safe to do so. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are devoting all available resources to this programme.

Mr. Barry Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to publish the results of the latest tests as soon as possible, bearing in mind the public anxiety? As over 1 million lambs under one year old and some 5,000 farm holdings are concerned, will he give a categorical assurance that there will be urgent and generous compensation? Does he agree that in the farming community there is grave disquiet over this matter?

Mr. Edwards

I instructed my officials this morning that I would wish to publish the latest results this week, and certainly as quickly as we can. We want to make all the information available. The hon. Gentleman raised the general issue of compensation and pointed out that there are over 1 million lambs in the restricted area. That fact emphasises the difficulty of defining methods of compensation that are fair both to those in the areas and those outside, who will also be affected by any changes in the market. These are complex and difficult questions that we shall have to discuss with the unions. I repeat the assurances that have already been given by Ministers about our considering specific compensation for specific cases.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

Does the Secretary of State accept that discussions with the unions and the complexity of the matter are no reasons for not announcing clearly to the House, in a statement, the basis of and guidelines for compensation? Does he understand that there is urgency among farmers, particularly in my constituency — the area worst affected? Is it not time that he made a statement? He is Secretary of State for Wales and has responsibility for this matter, but he is the only Minister with responsibility under the order who has not made a statement about it.

Mr. Edwards

I am now answering detailed points at Welsh Question Time, which seems a good way to deal with the matter. We shall publish all the information as it becomes available. The hon. Member knows perfectly well that compensation is a complex matter. We have given certain assurances. The sheep variable premium provides an underpinning, and we shall have to consider the circumstances if, for example, lambs grew so fat that they did not qualify for the premium. These are difficult issues and the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. W.igley) will know that sheep farmers in the Lleyn peninsular, for example, just outside the area, may be affected by market changes. Therefore, we have to discuss with the unions a basis for compensation that covers those both inside and outside the areas who suffer specific and identifiable loss.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Will my right hon. Friend reflect on the fact that others, such as abattoir owners, will be affected? Perhaps even more important than compensation, is it not necessary to restore public confidence in the healthiness of Welsh lamb, which is the best that there is?

Mr. Edwards

We shall consider compensation for specific cases for sheep producers. I caution my hon. Friend about the suggestion that we should spread compensation to other areas that may or may not be affected. I cannot give any such undertakings. I can continue to give, and this is the object of the restrictions, the absolute assurance that it is safe to eat lamb and that people can go on eating Welsh lamb in the knowledge that we have introduced these restrictions so that we can maintain that assurance.