HL Deb 24 July 2001 vol 626 cc235-6WA
Lord Glentoran

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether contracts to receive compensation from the Government as a result of foot and mouth disease contain an Official Secrets Act clause; whether anyone signing such contracts would thereby be prevented from giving evidence at any independent external inquiry into foot and mouth disease. [HL576]

Lord Whitty

Farmers who receive compensation for animals slaughtered as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak are required only to sign a form (Form FM5) stating that they have received a copy of the Statement of Valuation. They would therefore not be prevented by the Official Secrets Act from giving evidence at any inquiry or otherwise disclosing details of their payments.

The phase relating to the Official Secrets Act is included because the form used is a standard one for government contacts.