§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many cleaning and disinfecting payments arising from the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease are still outstanding; and whether they will list the numbers and payments that are outstanding by month due. [HL3611]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whiny)From information held centrally, the estimated cost currently of cleansing and disinfection arising from the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak is £280 million. This figure is subject to change because contractual arrangements involve accounting and auditing processes whereby invoices are received and must be verified and agreed by Defra. This is an on-going process. When complete I shall place a final cost figure for cleansing and disinfection in connection with the FMD outbreak in the Library of the House.