§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the tenant of Singrett farm, Llay, to discuss with him the impact of the outbreak of anthrax upon his farm operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAs officials of my Department and the state veterinary service are in constant touch with events at the farm, such a meeting would serve no useful purpose.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money(a) has been made available and (b) has been given to the local authority to date to deal with the problem of anthrax in Clwyd; whether cash limits are imposed on money made available to the local authority for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerGovernment support to local authorities is provided principally through rate support grants, which are unhypothecated and are intended to support local authorities in providing services in general. The Anthrax Order 1938 places a clear duty on local authorities to dispose of potentially infected slurry at their expense. Prudent authorities will make provision for such contingencies within their budgets and should therefore be in a position to meet the costs of the anthrax outbreak to which the hon. Gentleman refers.