§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government: How many contractors and farmers are still owed money from the clean-up after the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and what is the reason for delays in payment. [HL103]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The department is disputing payment in those cases where it believes on the basis of the quantum, accounting and legal advice it has received that it was overcharged for goods, services and works during the FMD outbreak. In all other cases, the department has paid contractors and farmers for services provided in connection with the FMD clean-up operation.
Additionally, there have been miscellaneous claims against the department arising from the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The department responds to every claim on the facts of that claim.
37WAIt is inappropriate for the department to offer public comment on these cases and claims in advance of or during forensic examination and investigation, formal disputes resolution procedures and litigation.