HL Deb 11 November 1991 vol 532 cc402-4

2.48 p.m.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many attacks have been made in the past year on consignments of British exports in France, what was the total damage inflicted, and whether full compensation has been paid.

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, since 6th November 1990 there have been eight reported incidents involving consignments of British exports of meat and livestock into France. Four of those attacks resulted in damage estimated at around £100,000 in total. We have not received an assessment of damage in other cases. So far, one claim for compensation has been submitted and this has been paid.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply, but is it not nonsense to talk, on the one hand, about economic and trade union and, on the other, about allowing the exports of one country to be mobbed by people in one's own country who find them over-competitive? Have Her Majesty's Government represented this matter to the French Government and pointed out to them that to any gourmet English lamb is infinitely preferable to French lamb?

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, the Government thoroughly deplore incidents in France involving attacks on imported lamb, beef and live sheep. We have taken every opportunity to make our views known to the French authorities. We are determined that everything possible should be done to ensure the safety of British drivers, livestock and vehicles and we shall continue to press this point with the French authorities. We have made it clear to them that a fundamental principle of EC freedom of trade is at issue.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, is the estimate which the noble Earl has given to the House based upon claims submitted by the farmers and hauliers concerned or is it a conjectural figure which has been arrived at by the Government themselves? On the assumption, which on the face of it seems to be established, that those claims have any validity, will the Government give the farmers, the hauliers and all concerned in the United Kingdom the utmost assistance in pursuing repayment to them of the sums involved, with interest?

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, as for the noble Lord's first point, I understand that the figure of £100,000 that I gave in my original Answer is not conjectural. The French Government have given assurances on several occasions that compensation for losses arising as a direct result of incidents will be paid. Indeed, the French Prime Minister gave precisely that commitment to my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in September. Those wishing to make claims should contact officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone

My Lords, can my noble friend tell me whether the French authorities have prosecuted the offenders and, if so, in how many cases?

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, we understand that four people involved in an incident in Bourges have been prosecuted. They have received fines and suspended prison sentences.

Lord Gallacher

My Lords, can the noble Earl say whether in respect of the claim paid and the claims pending regard has been paid to the position of the drivers of those vehicles? In particular, where injury has been suffered, has it been included in the compensation claim? Where stress has also been involved, will that too be taken into account?

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, there are at present no cases in which an individual driver is applying for compensation for physical injury. The attacks have been aimed only at livestock. However, in the event of any incident, the driver should report any problems to the local prefecture and local 13ritish consulate. Any subsequent claim for compensation should be directed, as I said, to the Ministry.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the French Government have given any indication of action taken by them to prevent repetition of such attacks?

The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

My Lords, I can only repeat what I said in an earlier answer; namely, that the French Prime Minister gave a specific assurance to my right honourable friend the Prime Minister.