Bates demands explanation for millions unspent from welfare disposal scheme

1.56.46pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Jan 2008

Rural Affairs spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Mick Bates AM, demands that the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government comes clean over its plans for the £3million in unspent funds left over from the light lamb welfare scheme.

The light lamb disposal scheme, set up to alleviate the difficulties faced by farmers following the foot and mouth outbreaks, has now closed. Approximately 132,000 lambs were entered into the scheme but it is calculated that of the £6.5million designated by the Welsh Assembly Government to run the welfare scheme, around £3million remains unspent.

Mick Bates AM comments:

"The NFU has calculated that the cost of the foot and mouth outbreaks in Wales lies in excess of £40million. Although we welcome this new year, let us not forget that the events of last year will continue to impact with long lasting devastation to the farming industry in Wales.

"Welsh farmers have been the worst compensated in comparison with the welfare packages received by farmers in England and Scotland. The Labour-Plaid Assembly Government claims that it has requested financial support from Westminster, yet despite my repeated requests, all details of these discussions and any correspondence between this Government and the UK Government are to be kept secret.

"I hope that this Labour-Plaid Assembly Government will continue to lobby the Treasury for financial support for our farmers and that the new year will also be a new positive start for our Welsh farmers. In the meantime it is important to ensure that all money designated to the welfare scheme by the Labour-Plaid Government is used to the best effect.

"I have written to the Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs for details of her plans for the unspent £3million left over from the welfare scheme, which could make such a difference to farmers at this difficult time. This money is a small amount in comparison to the huge loss suffered but it can still go a long way to helping the industry as it begins the long road to recovery."