HL Deb 03 May 2002 vol 634 cc154-6WA
Lord Grenfell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the policy of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is to claim the outstanding agrimonetary compensation from the European Commission. [HL4155]

Lord Whitty

We have considered the case for payment of optional agrimonetary compensation to the livestock sector. While we acknowledge the difficulties that the sector is facing and are working with it on the recommendations of the policy commission on food and farming, we have decided not to make a claim on these funds given the many competing demands on the Exchequer at present.