Bates says cut TB, not compensation rates

Release/Rhyddhau: 23/05/06

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

Mick Bates has slammed the government for failing to get a grip on bovine TB in Wales, as opposition parties blocked the introduction of a new system for compensating farmers for dead cattle.

Speaking in a debate, Mr Bates called on the government to tackle the disease, rather than unfairly slashing payments to farmers. Labour's new system would not have acknowledged the difference between ordinary animals and pedigree breeds.

He said: "The minister wants to cut the cost of compensation - but rather than introducing his unfair system, the minister should be putting his efforts in to tackling the disease.

"Instead of cutting the cost of compensation by 35%, the Minister should be committing to cut the rise in the disease by 35%. Bovine TB rose by 18% last year. That's unacceptable.

"The Minister has failed to tackle Bovine TB. This order is bringing injustice and unfairness to farmers in Wales."   

Speaking after opposition parties had united to block the motion, Mr Bates said: "This is a victory for common sense. The government must think again on this issue. It must do more to tackle bovine TB. That's the best - and cheapest - way to reduce the cost of compensation payments."