08/02/08
NFU Scotland will this afternoon be delivering a petition to the
door of number 10 Downing Street calling for full compensation
for all those in rural Scotland affected by last year's foot and
mouth outbreak.
The outbreak, which originated from the government-controlled
laboratory at Pirbright, Surrey, led to a financial crisis in Scotland's
red meat sector and associated industries, the effects of which
are still being felt.
The Scottish Government stepped in to provide crucial emergency
aid of around £25 million, however this represented just
a fraction of the losses suffered by farmers, hauliers, auctioneers,
processors and other rural businesses.
Speaking from London, NFUS Chief Executive Andy Robertson said:
“The Scottish livestock industry was shut down for two months
at the most critical time of year, the autumn sales. It has cost
businesses across rural Scotland tens of millions of pounds and,
particularly given the source of this outbreak in 2007, we believe
there is a clear duty on the UK Government to compensate.
“The containment of the disease was extremely successful
because industry complied with crippling movement restrictions
and, in doing so, saved the taxpayer the billions of pounds spent
during the 2001 outbreak. Successful disease control relies on
a partnership between industry and government. Industry has done
its bit yet many in rural Scotland feel the UK Government has walked
away from its responsibilities. Not only has that had a huge financial
impact, but it jeopardises the partnership required in future.
“The Scottish Government stepped in with a hugely important
emergency aid package. However this represents just a fraction
of the losses faced by farmers and the other businesses that work
with them.
“The petition has been signed by thousands of those affected
by the horrendous fall-out from the biosecurity lapses at Pirbright
last summer. This is not just an NFUS petition, it is one on behalf
of the whole of rural Scotland sending a resounding message to
the Prime Minister of what needs to be done.”
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