§ Mrs. ShephardTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to provide for a levy from pig farmers as part of a package of compensation for swine fever. [138098]
§ Ms QuinThe industry is about to begin consultations on a levy-based Development Scheme that will be used to top up Government payments under the Pig Welfare464W (Disposal) Scheme. On completion of that consultation exercise, including addressing any objections, Ministers will be asked to decide whether to put a scheme before Parliament for approval. I cannot anticipate the outcome of these procedures, but in general terms we support efforts by the livestock industry to protect itself from the consequences of outbreaks of exotic animal diseases.