§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers his officials have to speed up the destruction of livestock affected by foot and mouth disease, and in particular to deal with cases whereby owners have delayed settlement of compensation. [154317]
§ Ms Quin [holding answer 19 March 2001]The power to slaughter animals affected with foot and mouth disease is contained in the Animal Health Act 1983. The Act does814W not specify how slaughter should be carried out, but, in the vast majority of cases animals are slaughtered very quickly following confirmation of disease.
An Order has been made to change the valuation procedure for animals slaughtered for foot and mouth disease. This Order gives farmers the option of receiving payments at standard rates or of having animals valued by a valuer. This is intended to help speed up the valuation process and so ensure that animals can be slaughtered as quickly as possible. Where matters are delayed because an owner has disputed the valuation, all animals clearly affected with the disease are slaughtered without any further delay. The valuation of these animals is resolved after slaughter.
There have been some localised problems. Officials are working with a number of experts, including those from the armed forces to improve the planning, co-ordination and management of the slaughter and disposal process.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the procedures for compensating farmers whose stock have had to be destroyed because of foot and mouth disease; [154315]
(2) if he will investigate the administration mechanism which applies where agreement has not been reached as to the amount of compensation to be paid to stock owners for animals destroyed because of foot and mouth disease. [154316]
§ Ms Quin [holding answer 19 March 2001]The normal process of paying compensation involves an independent valuation of the animals which are to be slaughtered. Valuers are employed by the Ministry for this purpose, and where appropriate this can mean a specialist in the particular class or breed of animals involved.
If the owner disputes the valuation prior to slaughter, he may call his own valuer so that evidence is available when the matter goes to arbitration.
We have introduced arrangements to streamline this process by using a flat rate method wherever possible. The farmer will however retain the right to seek a specific valuation.
If agreement can not be reached quickly on the value of animals due to be slaughtered, all animals that are clearly affected with the disease are slaughtered without any further delay. The valuation of these animals is resolved after slaughter.
Procedures are in place to fast track the processing and payment of claims, a soon as they are received. We aim to pay compensation within a week of slaughter taking place.