§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the ability of farmers to afford adequate veterinary care for their animals. [9801]
§ Mr. MorleyFarmers have a duty to maintain the welfare of animals for which they are responsible, including the provision of veterinary care. This is a normal business expense of livestock farmers and as such, estimates of total income from farming are net of this expenditure.