Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jane Hunt and Victoria Prentis

Thursday 10th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)]

5. What steps he is taking to support livestock farmers.

[The Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food (Victoria Prentis)]

Livestock production is important for food production, the capture of carbon in pasture and the preservation of some of our most iconic landscapes. Our new policies—including the new animal health and welfare pathway and the newly increased farming investment fund—will support livestock farmers.

[Jane Hunt]

What progress has my hon. Friend made on examining the Welsh compensation scheme for cattle destroyed because of suspected tuberculosis? I understand that the Welsh model pays the value of the animal that is destroyed. What plans does she have to replace the standardised valuations in England, particularly in respect of prize-winning high-quality breeds?

[Victoria Prentis]

The Welsh Government intend to move away from their current practice of individual animal valuation. They are considering and have recently consulted on moving to a practice of table valuation, such as we use in England. I understand that my hon. Friend recently met the Secretary of State, with her constituent Andrew Birkle, to discuss this important issue.