BSE legislation provides that farmers are compensated at current market value rates for animals that have been depopulated as a result of BSE. The compensation is paid to enable farmers to restock. Re-population of the farm is normally permitted 30 days after satisfactory completion of cleansing disinfection so the farmer need not be out of business for a prolonged period of time. There is no provision for payment of other compensation in respect of BSE depopulations.
It was necessary, in the national interest of ensuring that everything possible was done to minimise the risk of the spread of FMD, to enforce controls on animal movements generally, including on re-stocking, during the crisis. I have no plans to establish a compensation package for loss of income during this period.