§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the actual cost to pig farmers of the self-funding Aujeszky's eradication scheme in each of the years during which it has been in operation; what has been the total cost to date; what were his original estimates of these costs; and when he expects eradication to be complete.
§ Mrs. FennerThe cost of the Aujeszky's disease control and eradication scheme since its inception on 14 March is about £21 million, less salvage receipts of over one third of this amount to date. In addition, the Pig Disease Eradication Fund Ltd. has made interest payments on the loan that it has raised and has made substantial consequential loss payments which producers decided should be made separately. Very considerable resource costs have also been borne by the Ministry in undertaking and administering the campaign. Realistic estimates of animal disease eradication schemes undertaken are not possible. The only figure that has been published is the one quoted in the document used to undertake the poll of producers, which said that costs to them would be at least £6 million—excluding consequential loss payments. The initial part of the programme has now been substantially completed but comprehensive surveys will have to be undertaken designed to find whether there are any remaining sources of infection.