HC Deb 05 May 1988 vol 132 cc587-8W
42. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further steps the Government are taking to ensure that farmers do not continue to lose income due to effects of Chernobyl fall out in north Wales, northern England and Scotland.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Following detailed discussions with the farmers unions we introduced four separate compensation schemes to help those sheep producers whose enterprises were affected by the restrictions introduced following the Chernobyl incident. Two of these schemes are still operating. One provides full compensation for any market price losses on sheep that have to be marked on their release from the remaining restricted areas: the second offers a payment of £1.30 per head for each sheep monitored and moved out of the restricted area. Both schemes will continue so long as the movement and slaughter restrictions apply.