asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of applications for assistance from the Hardship Fund now on hands; when the first undisposed-of application was received; and when it is expected to have payment made or a decision conveyed on all the applications now on hands.
Written Answers. - Hardship Fund Applications.
182.
In October last when announcing details of special payments in hardship cases arising under the disease eradication schemes, I indicated that herdowners eligible for such payments would not have to make special application for them and that my Department's district veterinary offices would be arranging for the payments in due course. Each case where reactors arise under the bovine tuberculosis or brucellosis eradication schemes is examined to determine whether it meets the conditions laid down for payment. This is a continuous process since reactor herds which do not qualify for payments after one test could qualify if further reactors were disclosed at subsequent tests. Payments are made as soon as possible after each herdowner's eligibility has been determined.