§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason her Department was not represented at the public inquiry into foot and mouth disease in Devon. [11737]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 November 2001]: DEFRA co-operated with the Devon county council inquiry.
To minimise additional burdens on staff actively engaged in fighting the disease, the Department responded to a number of questions in writing.
§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes there were to the criteria for the payment of slaughter premium during the foot and mouth outbreak. [14000]
§ Mr. MorleyThere were no changes to the criteria for the payment of slaughter premium during the foot and mouth outbreak.
§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis slaughter premium is payable on cattle slaughtered as a result of foot and mouth disease. [13999]
1035W
§ Mr. MorleySlaughter premium is not payable on cattle slaughtered during the foot and mouth outbreak but if the market value for such animals would have been influenced by expectation of slaughter premium then the valuation for compensation should reflect this. Standard valuations, which operated between 22 March and 29 July, took account of slaughter premium.
The Department will shortly be issuing clarification to interested parties.
1036W
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to implement the recommendations of Professor Mercer's report into the foot and mouth crisis in Devon; and if she will make a statement. [11734]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 November 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State, Lord Whitty on 31 October 2001, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 1416–17.