§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on compensation for salmonella-infected poultry flocks.
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§ Mr. GummerI have considered carefully the outcome of a recent arbitration case in which the National Farmers Union, on behalf of 11 flock owners, disputed the amount of compensation paid for poultry flocks which had been compulsorily slaughtered. The arbitrator decided that the payments to the flock owners concerned should be increased. This will be done, in accordance with the terms laid down by the arbitrator.
I have also decided to alter the compensation arrangements for all other producers who have received, or will receive, compensation after the date of the arbitrator's award on 25 September. With effect from that date compensation will be calculated on the basis of the full value of the number of birds in the flock, other than the estimated number of diseased birds for which there is no requirement for the payment of compensation under the Animal Health Act 1981. The number of diseased birds will be calculated on the basis of the level of infection in the flock estimated from the examination of samples. The precise method of calculating compensation on this basis will be discussed with industry organisations. The new arrangements are expected in most cases to result in a significant increase in the amount of compensation paid to flock owners.