Written question asked by Baroness Michie of Gallanach (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what (a) direct and (b) consequential loss was sustained by salmon farmers between 1997 and the latest date for which data are available as a result of the implementation of destruction orders following outbreaks of infectious salmon anaemia. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Ray Michie: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what (a) direct and (b) consequential loss was sustained by salmon farmers between 1997 and the latest date for which data are available as a result of the implementation of destruction orders following outbreaks of infectious salmon anaemia. [152327] Mr. Foulkes: In 2000 Hydro Seafoods GSP reported to the Competition Commission, in the context of the inquiry into the proposed acquisition by Nutreco, that exceptional costs of more than £18 million in 1997 and 1998 arose from the outbreak of ISA. We have no comparable information for other companies. From 1 July 1999 fisheries was devolved and is a matter for the Scottish Executive. I understand that in recognition of the importance of the salmon farming industry to the rural economy in Scotland, £9 million has been made available through Highlands and Islands Enterprise to assist companies directly affected by ISA to regain their previous level of trading. Grants of £2.9 million and £1.4 million have been approved and are under consideration respectively. The scheme will remain open until Spring 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 152327; 364 c267-8W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Finance Diseases Disease control Fish Scotland Salmon Fish farming
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk