§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase the compensation payable to farmers for livestock they have been unable to move in the over-30-months scheme due to movement restrictions; and if she will make a statement. [12353]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 November 2001]: The Government have considered very carefully whether it would be appropriate to pay compensation for losses incurred on cattle which went beyond the 30-month age limit because of movement restrictions imposed during the earlier part of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. We have conclude that it would not. Statutory compensation for losses incurred as a result of the FMD outbreak is only paid on animals which have been slaughtered as a result of FMD, or on property, including animals which have been seized and destroyed in order to prevent the spread of FMD. The Government do not compensate farmers, or businesses, for other, indirect losses.