§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will lay the statutory instrument to implement the proposed pig welfare levy; and when he expects the first payment to be made to producers affected by classical swine fever. [142891]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 18 December 2000]: The Government have already paid out over £3.7 million under the Pig Welfare (Disposal) Scheme to producers caught by movement controls brought in to prevent the spread of classical swine fever. As matters stand currently, over £8.5 million will be paid to producers under this scheme. The only vehicle available to introduce a producer levy to provide funding for an industry top-up to these Government payments is a development scheme under the 1967 Agriculture Act. The formal consultation period on a development scheme began on 24 November and will end on 23 January 2001. If, after examining any objections, the industry decides to ask Agriculture Ministers to proceed with a scheme, we would aim to lay the statutory instrument before this House very quickly after receiving the request.
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§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much will be available for payment in the Pig Farmers Outgoers Scheme in financial years(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03. [142892]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 18 December 2000]: While it may be possible for some payments under the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme 2000—Outgoers to be made in the financial year 2000–01, we expect all payments to be completed in financial year 2001–02; at least £20 million will be available for this purpose.