HC Deb 05 July 2002 vol 388 cc640-1W
Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost has been so far to her Department of compensating farmers for losses due to the deaths of bovine TB infected cattle. [65689]

Mr. Morley

From the beginning of 1997 until the end of 2001, a total of £26,144,176 has been paid out to farmers for cattle slaughtered under TB control measures.

Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what interim measures are being undertaken to provide farmers with financial and other support whilst awaiting bovine TB trial results. [65688]

Mr. Morley

The Government recognise the economic difficulties that farmers face from the disclosure of bovine tuberculosis in their herds, and from the imposition of movement restrictions by the State Veterinary Service. In accordance with the recommendation of the Agriculture Select Committee, officials are currently considering potential future strategy options, including measures to alleviate economic difficulties faced by those under movement restrictions. Consultation with stakeholders (including farmers' union) have started.