§ 3. Mr. Parrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now satisfied that the threat from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Isle of Wight has passed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI am satisfied that the prompt and effective action taken to deal with this outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was completely successful and that there is no remaining risk from this outbreak. My Department will, as always, be vigilant against further incursions of the disease.
§ 16. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total cost to public funds, including compensation for animals slaughtered, of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the Isle of Wight.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerCompensation for the animals slaughtered totalled over £90,000, to which must be added the costs of destruction of carcases and cleansing and disinfection of premises, estimated at £50,000. In addition, there was the Ministry's staff costs which cannot be readily quantified in relation to the outbreak.