§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions exist on use of land and the movement of livestock as a result of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident; and if he will estimate the cost to United Kingdom farmers of the restrictions introduced because of radioactive pollution from Chernobyl. [116269]
§ Ms QuinThere have never been restrictions on the use of land in the UK as a result of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl. However, restrictions on the movement, sale and slaughter of sheep were placed in certain areas of the UK. These restrictions have been progressively lifted from affected holdings so only approximately 430 of the holdings originally under restrictions are still under controls. This represents a decrease of around 95 per cent. Although the Chernobyl incident has undoubtedly affected the husbandry practices within the affected areas, the Government and devolved Administrations operate the Mark and Release Sheep Compensation Scheme to reimburse farmers for any market losses incurred.