§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date he first discussed with the Commission of the EC the possibility of introducing a ban on the movement of lambs in certain parts of the United Kingdom; and whether at that time he obtained its agreement to the payment of compensation to farmers affected by such a ban.
§ Mr. JoplingImposition of controls on the movement and slaughter of lambs, is a matter for decision by the United Kingdom Government. As I indicated in my statement to the House on 20 June, if however it should prove to be necessary, the Government will be prepared to discuss cases of compensation for severe loss in particular circumstances to specific farmers.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the draft statement concerning the ban on the movement of lambs which was circulated by his Department to local officials to discuss with farming interests at local level, differed in a material respect, in relation to compensation provisions from the statement which he made in the House on Friday 20 June.
§ Mr. JoplingI am not aware that any draft statement concerning restrictions on the movement of lambs was circulated by my Department for discussion with farming interests at local level.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state under what sub-head of public expenditure compensation will be paid to farmers affected by severe losses arising from the ban on the movement of lambs.
§ Mr. JoplingIf it is decided that compensation payments should be made, parliamentary approval of the necessary financial provision will be sought in the normal way through the Supplementary Estimates procedure.