Vol. 488 No. 7
171 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department is offering less to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford under the BSE depopulation programme for six pure bred registered cows than previously offered; and if his Department will honour the previous offer and resolve the issue on this basis. [7214/98]
The herdowner referred to by the Deputy has been visited by valuers of my Department on two occasions. On the first occasion, the valuers offered £4,200 for four of the six animals involved; at the herdowner's request, two other cattle were not valued at that stage. Subsequently, one of the four animals concerned died from suspected salmonella. On the second visit, a sum of £5,000 was offered for five animals presented. The herdowner has not so far accepted this valuation.
Under the BSE slaughter arrangements, all animals are purchased at current market values.
