§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representation he has received on the Zoonoses Order 1989.
§ Mr. MacleanI have received a number of representations on the Zoonoses Order 1989 about the arrangements for the compulsory slaughter with compensation of salmonella-infected poultry flocks. These were taken into account when new compensation rates were announced on 13 February followed by provisions for the processing of carcases from infected flocks, under carefully controlled conditions, which I announced on 26 March.
§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will increase to 100 per cent. compensation paid to farmers whose poultry are slaughtered under the Zoonoses Order 1989; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI have no plans to do so. The present compensation arrangements are in line with the requirements of the Animal Health Act 1981 and any producer who disputes the Ministry's valuation can take the matter to independent arbitration.