The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of the fact that oysters are considered only potential carriers of infectious salmon anaemia and of the consequences of restriction on their movement for operators of oyster farms, when they will complete their review as to when compensation will be paid to oyster farmers. [HL3015]
§ Lord SewelOysters and other bi-valve molluscs feed by filtering particles from the water and there is evidence to show that they are capable of accumulating and subsequently depurating viruses. It follows that there is a risk of spreading infectious salmon anaemia if they are moved.
Hitherto it has not been the policy of Government to pay compensation for losses as a result of fish or shellfish diseases, but the issues are being reviewed as a matter of urgency.