Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 September 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 19 September 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps will be taken to compensate land owners for damage done by unidentified people in connection with field trials involving badger testing.

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps will be taken to compensate land owners for damage done by unidentified people in connection with field trials involving badger testing. [73358] Mr. Morley: As part of its voluntary agreement with farmers participating in the randomised badger culling trial, DEFRA has a signed commitment to pay reasonable compensation for damage to crops and property directly caused by operations carried out, and measures taken under the agreement. Claims arising out of damage caused by third parties are considered on a case by case basis and any payment is made on an ex-gratia basis. In practice the principal target of anti-trial protest has been Departmental property, including traps and vehicles, and field staff. Police support for trial operations is extensive and acts as a deterrent against damage to landowners' property.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 73358; 390 c290W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Animal welfare Compensation Demonstrations Badgers Damage Disease control Farmers Protest Testing Bovine tuberculosis
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk