Assembly Finance Committee to investigate cost of Foot and Mouth outbreak

An important Assembly Committee is to investigate the cost of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The Finance Committee wants to look at the effect the outbreak will have on the Welsh Assembly Government’s budget. The Finance Committee is planning a meeting in the autumn, at which it will take evidence on the financial impact of the outbreak and the levels of compensation likely to be required from the Assembly’s budget. The Committee expects to take evidence from The National Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Wales, Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales, and the Livestock Auctioneers Association. Alun Cairns AM, Chair of the Committee said: “Although a long way from the centre of the outbreak, restrictions on animal movements are having a widespread effect on the markets for Welsh livestock and in turn on the farmers who produce them.  I have spoken to the farming unions and I know they are willing to come and talk to the Committee. We will also be inviting the Rural Affairs Minister to come to the meeting. We would like to hear from her what investigations she is carrying out and what, if any, are her plans relating to possible compensation for Welsh farmers.” Note to editors: The Finance Committee’s remit is to ensure that proper scrutiny is given to the budget and expenditure of the Welsh Assembly Government, the Assembly Commission, the Ombudsman, the Children’s Commissioner, the Older People’s Commissioner and various Assembly Government Sponsored Bodies and NHS Bodies. More details >>