Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement about the proposed reduction in the rates payable to farmers under the Welfare Disposal Scheme.

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the proposed reduction in the rates payable to farmers under the welfare disposal scheme. [160700] Ms Quin: Revised payments under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme (LWDS) for those categories of animals intended for the human food chain took effect for all animals collected for slaughter or slaughtered on-farm from Monday 30 April. LWDS was introduced to provide a means of resolving serious animal welfare problems arising directly from the FMD movement restrictions. It was specifically not to be used as an alternative to the market, where the market was available. With the introduction from 23 April of scope to market animals from inside Infected Areas and, more recently, from inside protection zones, the route into the market has now been largely re-established. There was already considerable evidence that the original payment levels were encouraging farmers to use LWDS as their preferred alternative to the market. In light of the greatly increased opportunities some payment rates were reduced to between 70 per cent. and 80 per cent. of market prices. Payment rates for animals not intended to enter the food chain remain unchanged.

Secondary information