§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the(a) total and (b) average monthly cost of the Over-30-Month scheme has been since its inception. [170187]
§ Alun MichaelThe total and average monthly cost of the Over-30-Month scheme are shown in the table.
£million Total cost of the scheme including compensation Average cost per month 1996–97 858 78 1997–98 432 36 1998–99 380 32 1999–2000 394 33 2000–01 401 33 2001–02 301 25 2002–03 367 31 2003–04 1321 127 Total 3,454 36 1 Forecast. The average monthly costs have decreased over the years reflecting lower compensation rates and disposal costs and fewer animals entering the scheme.
The 1996–97 figure reflects the high compensation rate in the first year. The low 2001–02 figure reflects the reduced numbers entering the scheme as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of maintaining the Over-30-Month scheme for cattle born after August 1996 until January 2005. [170188]
§ Alun MichaelThe estimated direct cost (compensation and disposal) of maintaining the Over-30-Month scheme for cattle born after August 1996 from April 2004 until January 2005 is £120 million.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of maintaining the Over-30-Month scheme for cattle born before August 1996. [170189]
§ Alun MichaelThe cost of maintaining the Over-30-Month scheme after April 2004 for cattle born before August 1996 will be spread over several years. The aggregate cost is estimated at £400 million. However, the annual cost will depend on how quickly the cattle are disposed of.