§ Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of arrangements for valuing animals for the purposes of compensating farmers who have bovine TB reactors. [131874]
§ Mr. Bradshaw:We intend to consult on proposals to rationalise existing compensation arrangements for all notifiable animal diseases later this year. Our consultation will include proposals to address valuations of animals, particularly higher value pedigree animals.
§ Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the financial impact of bovine 121W tuberculosis on (a) farmers and (b) her Department in each of the last five years for which records are available. [131897]
§ Mr. Bradshaw:The information is as follows: (a) Defra has commissioned the University of Reading to carry out research into the economic impact
Expenditure on TB in Great Britain 1998–99 to 2002–03 GB expenditure on TB in £000 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 Compensation 3,491 5,303 6,632 9,243 31,146 TB testing 7,247 8,329 8,675 3,571 12,398 Badger culling trial 2,988 4,392 6,630 6,001 6,479 Other research 2,541 4,114 5,266 6,112 6,824 Contracts with Veterinary Laboratories Agency 1,926 2,367 3,467 3,674 4,101 Staff costs 6,691 13,566 5,529 1,883 12,954 Total expenditure 24,883 38,072 36,199 30,485 73,931