HC Deb 04 May 1988 vol 132 cc476-7W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the restrictions placed on the movement of sheep following the Chernobyl disaster and concerning compensation to those farmers affected by the restrictions.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I have received representations from the Cumbria branch of the National Farmers Union, which sent to the Ministry's Carlisle office the results of a survey it conducted concerning the operation of the sheep compensation scheme. The branch has listed 66 producers who feel that they have been inadequately compensated. Of the 66 producers, 57 have already received compensation under the arrangements totalling £78,447 up to April 1988. We have said all along that we would be prepared to look at the scheme and its operation, which has been discussed in detail with the farmers' unions before and following the introduction of the various elements. As a result, changes have been made to some aspects of the scheme.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his Department has evidence of an increase in mutations of lambs born in the restricted area of Cumbria since the Chernobyl accident; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Congenital defects in lambs may be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental agents, nutritional deficiencies and viral infections. We are advised that the annual dose of radiation to sheep in Cumbria is within the normal range of background radiation in the United Kingdom. There is no reason to believe that the levels of contamination from Chernobyl present a health hazard to sheep or that it will effect their fertility or breeding potential. There is no evidence that lambs born in the restricted area of Cumbria have a higher incidence of congenital defects than lambs born elsewhere.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being undertaken into the mutation of lambs born in the restricted area of Cumbria since the Chernobyl accident; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I understand that a research project by Liverpool university into the effects of low-level radiation on sheep is being undertaken. I believe that the project is utilising sheep supplied by farmers in North Wales, but I am not aware that sheep have been supplied by farmers in the restricted area of Cumbria.