§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 2 May (WA140), whether they are able to state:
- (a) what moneys have already been paid;
- (b) the number of claims that have been received and are still to be processed;
- (c) the number of claims that are now overdue; and
- (d) the length of time each overdue claim has been outstanding. [HL4611]
§ Lord WhittyBy 24 May 2002 the department had spent £295 million on cleansing and disinfection.
The accounts of contractors used by Defra during the FMD outbreak to cleanse and disinfect premises have been the subject of detailed examination. It has necessitated Defra obtaining legal advice from a number of external law firms on whether sums claimed by contractors are valid and due.
Wide-ranging issues have arisen on the accounts. These include legal issues such as matters of contractual interpretation, forensic accountancy issues and evidential issues involving the assessment of both a large amount of documentation and proofing of witnesses. Some of these disputes will inevitably result in court proceedings, although Defra remains committed to resolving matters by mediation where appropriate.
In these circumstances it is not possible at present for reasons of legal and commercial confidentiality to disclose the number of claims that have been received and are still to be processed; the number of claims that contractors claim are now overdue; and the length of time each allegedly overdue claim has been outstanding.
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Elliot Morley, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 2 May (HC Deb, 938W), whether road haulage contracts for the removal of foot and mouth carcasses in Northumberland were awarded as a result of the competitive tendering process; whether contracts awarded to Snowie were the outcome of the competitive tendering process; how many separate contracts were awarded; and in each case, how many other firms tendered. [HL4612]
155WA
§ Lord WhittyPursuant to the Written Answer by Elliot Morley, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Defra, on 2 May (HC Deb, 938W), a road haulage contact was awarded to Snowie through the use of the negotiated procurement procedure without the prior publication of an official journal (OJEU) notice.
Separate road haulage contracts were awarded as a result of the competitive tendering process to Banks; Yuill and Dodds; NDMR; Whitkirks; Beverley Ridley; and Blakey's Haulage. In each case a minimum of three to four other firms tendered.
All contractors' performance was subject to ongoing review and management by quantity surveyors, forensic accountants and other technical specialists retained by Defra.
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Kingdom is now a foot and mouth free area; and, if so, when they will lift the current movement restrictions. [HL4721]
§ Lord WhittyThe UK regained its FMD free status in January this year.
The interim controls now in place are the result of a precautionary, step-by-step approach. These controls are designed to protect against the rapid spread of any new incursion of disease. They have already been relaxed in a number of ways in response to requests from the livestock industry and we hope to make other adjustments over the summer.
The interim arrangements are without prejudice to decisions about a permanent movement regime which will be made after more detailed consideration of the recommendations of the Royal Society and Lessons Learned inquiries and full consultation with interested parties during the autumn.