§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much money is in dispute between the Government and the disposal company owned by Cumbria County Council following the foot and mouth disease outbreak; whether the whole amount is in dispute; whether they have paid, or will pay, parts of the claim that are agreed; and when they expect to resolve this matter. [HL736]
§ Lord WhittyThe dispute, between the department and the disposal company owned by Cumbria County Council, arising out of the foot and mouth disease outbreak is the subject of High Court proceedings. The case is scheduled currently to be heard during 2005 subject to scheduling by the courts.
The department is unwilling to state the sum in dispute between the parties without the express written agreement of the company, as it does not comment publicly on litigation to which it is a party.