Vol. 483 No. 6
182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will quantify the losses caused to farmers by the difficult harvesting conditions on farms; and the steps, if any, he has taken to quantify these losses in 1997 because of difficult harvesting conditions. [21096/97]
I have already announced a scheme of assistance for farmers for weather related crop losses in 1997. A sum of £1.2 million is being provided and applications have been invited from growers who suffered significant damage to cereal and grass seed crops and to fruit and vegetables, including potatoes. The closing date for receipt of completed applications at local Teagasc offices is 19 December, and an overall assessment will be made then of the extent of the losses incurred.
