asked the Minister for Agriculture the total number of farmers who have received assistance from the disease hardship fund (a) in the country and (b) in each county; the total amount of money paid to all farmers to date under this fund; the number of farmers who were rejected for assistance from this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Animal Disease Hardship Fund.
232.
To date, payments totalling £5.7 million have been made to 13,225 herdowners under the Hardship Fund Scheme. It is not feasible to provide a breakdown of these figures on a county basis because of the disproportionate volume of work involved.
Subject to compliance with the disease eradication regulations, payments are made to all qualifying herdowners.
Since 31 January, 1983 the scheme has been confined to herdowners who, on the advice of the local district veterinary office, depopulate their herds.