§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what support her Department has given to the agricultural supply industry following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [14056]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has provided support to the agricultural supply industry following the foot and mouth disease outbreak through a number of initiatives. These include
Providing direct help to the wide range of small rural businesses that have been severely affected by FMD including help with rates, bills, tax, and national insurance.Setting up the FMD helpline and the Farm Business Recovery helpline.Regional seminars which provide national and regional advice on subjects such as diversification, grants, restocking and local initiatives.Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS) whose advisers will help farmers to make decisions about the future direction of their business. The service is funded by DEFRA and operated by the Small Business Service through Business Links.A 24 m extension to the Business Recovery Fund to help rural economies damaged by foot and mouth disease.