HC Deb 21 February 1924 vol 169 cc2014-5W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government propose to take any steps to compensate farm labourers who have lost their employment owing to the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic?

Mr. BUXTON

The provisions of the Diseases of Animals Acts do not admit of the payment of compensation to farm labourers who have lost their employment owing to the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic, but so far as I can ascertain, the amount of unemployment from this cause is not serious. I am considering, however, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, the desirability of bringing agricultural labourers within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts.

Viscount WOLMER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation enabling the Ministry of Agriculture to pay dairy farmers who have had their milking herds slaughtered during the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic compensation for the interruption of their dairy business in addition to the market value of their cows?

Mr. BUXTON

I regret that I do not see my way to introduce legislation of the character suggested in the question. Such a proposal would be contrary to the whole basis of the Diseases of Animals Acts, which provide that compensation should he payable only in respect of the market value of animals slaughtered by order of the Ministry. Any attempt to assess consequential losses would present endless difficulties and involve a very considerable addition to the heavy expenditure already incurred in connection with foot-and-mouth disease.

Sir C. CAYZER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to grant credit facilities to farmers whose stock has been slaughtered as a result of foot-and-mouth disease to enable them to re-stock their farms, and thus carry on in the future; whether he has had any applications fm assistance on these lines; and, if so, whether he is prepared to consider them without delay, and on what terms?

Mr. BUXTON

As I announced yesterday when moving the Second Reading of the Diseases of Animals Bill, it is open to groups of farmers to form themselves into credit societies under Part II of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, and avail themselves of the facilities thereby provided. I would remind the hon. Baronet that farmers whose stack has been slaughtered have received compensation in respect of the animals killed.