§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his plans to introduce an industry levy in order to part-fund compensation for pig farmers hit by swine fever, indicating whether proceeds from the levy can be used for other purposes. [144388]
§ Mr. Nick Brown[holding answer 8 January 2001]: I welcome the commitment made by the NFU and NPA in the summer to review with Government the longer-term implications for disease control in modern industry conditions. In addition, industry representatives proposed a top-up contribution be made by pig producers to the Government's unprecedented Pig Welfare (Disposal) Scheme. To bring this about, pig producers are currently being consulted on a proposed development scheme under the Agriculture Act 1967. The proposed development scheme would enable its trustees to use levy funds to benefit pig producers in planning for and dealing with the impact of outbreaks of pig diseases, as well as reducing the risks of such outbreaks occurring.