§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to compensate self-employed jockeys who have lost income as a result of the suspension of races during the foot and mouth outbreak. [155440]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 26 March 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has the lead responsibility for the Rural Task Force which was set up as a direct result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. No Governments have paid compensation in such circumstances. We are however offering a package of measures to help those adversely affected by the outbreak which my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment announced to the House on 20 March 2001, Official Report, column 191. The Rural Task Force will be continuing its work and further measures will be announced as appropriate.