HL Deb 15 July 2002 vol 637 cc122-3WA
The Earl of Caithness

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on the 18 June (WA 77), what are their reasons for considering that it is a "reasonable expectation" for a farmer with high value stock to have to take out private insurance. [HL4879]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)

It is normal practice for people to look to insure valuable possessions against unforeseen circumstances.

It is relevant to point out that, although scrapie was made legally notifiable in 1993, there was no payment of compensation to farmers for the slaughter of sick animals until this Government introduced such a measure in 1998. The levels of compensation to farmers were significantly increased in December 2001.

The Earl of Caithness

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on the 18 June (WA 77), whether they are reviewing the arrangements covering "compensation of animals slaughtered"; if so, whom they are consulting and when the results of the consultation will be made public. [HL4880]

Lord Whitty

The current arrangements for paying compensation for all animal diseases have become fragmented over time and are somewhat complex. I am considering how compensation arrangements can be rationalised so as to simplify the whole approach. It will be some time, probably autumn, before we announce a decision on how we intend to take work on this policy area forward. We will, of course, in time consult widely on this issue.