§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much agrimonetary compensation the Government can draw down for(a) dairy, (b) sheep and (c) arable farmers. [52417]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The Government could have claimed approximately £37 million for the dairy sector and £9 million for the 179W sheep sector. No agrimonetary compensation was available for arable farmers in that package. While we acknowledge the difficulties the livestock sector is facing and are working with them on the recommendations of the Policy Commission on Farming and Food, we have decided not to make a claim on these funds given the many competing demands on the Exchequer at present, particularly as more than eighty per cent. of the £46 million would in effect have to be met by the British taxpayer.