Fallen stock scheme needs improvement

Release/Rhyddhau: Tuesday, 26th April 2005 

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

The Labour Assembly Government should take greater steps to improve the fallen stock scheme, says Welsh Liberal Democrat Countryside Spokesperson Mick Bates.

Mr Bates quizzed the First Minister Rhodri Morgan on his plans for the scheme during the laming season in the Assembly today.

Mr Bates said:  “Mr Morgan may not realise this, but laming happens every year! Two years ago I warned what the implications would be if the fallen stock issue was not taken seriously.  The result has been farmers waiting up to three weeks for fallen stock to be collected.

“Two years ago I also advised the Government to consider the use of local solutions in collecting fallen stock.  That advice was ignored, with disastrous results.

“The government now needs to re-evaluate the fallen stock scheme.  We need to see local solutions, with no extra cost to the farming community.”