§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to his reply of 3 November,Official Report, columns 747–48, which organisation first raised with his Department the need for a compensation scheme for farmers with stock affected by BSE: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonAccording to my Department's records, the possibility of introducing compulsory slaughter with compensation was first raised at a meeting held on 1 June this year between my officials and a number of organisations. These included the British Veterinary Association, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Milk Marketing Board, the National Cattle Breeders' Association, the National Farmers' Union and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.