§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of the loss to farmers whose cattle are affected by bovine TB which is covered by the Ministry's compensation scheme; and if he will provide a breakdown of his estimate of the total losses incurred. [58075]
§ Mr. RookerThe National Farmers Union estimates the total cost to farmers of tuberculosis in cattle in Great Britain to average £5,300 per animal slaughtered, including consequential losses, although the cost to individual farm businesses varies widely.
During 1997 compensation was paid at 75% of market value of cattle slaughtered as TB reactors, subject to a limit (calculated from the average market price for dairy cattle) which averaged £656 across the year. This represents 12% of £5,300. Since 26 August 1998 compensation has been paid equal to the full market value of slaughtered cattle. To the end of October payments made averaged £970, 18% of £5,300.