Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 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, how the compensation for milk wasted as a result of foot and mouth disease is calculated; what representations he has received regarding compensation levels for milk; what considerations informed the decision to set the level of compensation at a rate below market price; what plans he has to revise the structure of compensation; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 3 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Harvey: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the compensation for milk wasted as a result of foot and mouth disease is calculated; what representations he has received regarding compensation levels for milk; what considerations informed the decision to set the level of compensation at a rate below market price; what plans he has to revise the structure of compensation; and if he will make a statement. [156698] Ms Quin: [holding answer 3 April 2001]: The Animal Health Act 1981 grants the Ministry powers to seize and dispose of anything necessary for preventing the spread of foot and mouth disease. Milk from infected premises and premises considered to be at risk of or exposed to infection is therefore seized, disinfected and disposed of. Compensation is paid for anything seized for the purpose of preventing foot and mouth disease. Section 36 of the Act says that compensation for anything seized shall be its value at the time of seizure. Compensation for milk is therefore paid at the price the owner of the dairy currently receives for supplies to milk buying companies. Farmers will not receive compensation for items which will go unused as a result of foot and mouth disease which are not seized by the Ministry. The Ministry has not received any representations regarding compensation levels for milk and there are no plans to revise the compensation structure.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 368 c230-1W; 156698
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Compensation Dairy farming Disease control Foot and mouth disease Milk
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk