§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the cost to date of the involvement of the Army in helping with the foot and mouth outbreak; and from which budget it is funded. [HL1942]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe additional cost to date of the military assistance provided during the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease is estimated at around £1.5 million. Although costs are falling initially to the defence budget, they will be recovered from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (and, in Northern Ireland, from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) at the end of the military involvement. This is in line with the normal practice for military aid to the civil authorities.