HC Deb 08 March 1978 vol 945 cc647-8W
82. Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what parliamentary approval will be required to authorise the proposed payments of compensation announced for farmers who have suffered in the recent floods and storms; and if he is still giving active consideration to providing compensation for lost livestock.

Mr. Bishop

The additional help towards the cost of rehabilitating arable or pasture land affected by abnormal flooding was announced on 2nd February in a Press notice issued by my Department, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. This will be provided through a scheme, to be made under the Agriculture Act 1970, which will shortly be laid before Parliament for approval. We are considering the implications of the loss of livestock from the adverse weather as more information on the extent of the damage becomes available.