§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of(a) the reopening of livestock markets and (b) other increased animal movements on the incidence of TB and other animal diseases. [54461]
§ Mr. MorleyAs yet we do not have enough data to enable an analysis of what part the reopening of markets and resumption of livestock movement has played in the number of incidents of bovine TB disclosed in the first quarter of this year. We will continue to monitor the position carefully with the independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB to produce an analysis when sufficient data are available. The chief veterinary officer has issued general advice to farmers on assessing disease risk when buying in animals. This is contained in the leaflets "Golden Rules for a Healthy Herd" and "Golden Rules for a Healthy Flock".
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contingency plan her Department has to deal with two or more separate animal disease epidemics at the same time; and if she will make a statement. [53799]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 May 2002]: This Department has a range of both legislation and operational procedures in place in order to deal with animal disease epidemics. The Interim Foot and Mouth Contingency Plan provides an operational framework for a response to one or more concurrent outbreaks of disease. My officials are working on these contingency arrangements to ensure a co-ordinated inter-agency approach to disease outbreaks and one that fully involves stakeholders.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much compensation has been(a) allotted and (b) paid for bovine TB for (i) slaughtering and (ii) restriction of movement of cattle in each year since 1980. [53761]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 May 2002]: The compensation paid for cattle slaughtered to control bovine TB in each year since 1980 is set out in the table. No compensation is paid because of movement restrictions.
The compensation rate was changed on 26 August 1998 from 75 per cent. of limited value to full market value of the animals. 162W
Year Amount(£) 1980 289,446 1981 365,227 1982 250,782 1983 295,469 1984 284,613 1985 337,806 1986 310,399 1987 525,447 1988 368,158 1989 584,205 1990 1,104,259 1991 678,916 1992 683,831 1993 2,081,436 1994 2,019,911 1995 1,988,820 1996 2,275,481 1997 2,386,029 1998 3,605,242 1999 5,770,983 2000 7,307,797 2001 7,074,125