Tories distance themselves from Cost Sharing plans

Shadow Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said the publication of Defra’s draft Animal Health Bill was ‘premature’ given that an independent group chaired by Rosemary Radcliffe was still looking at the issue.

“While the Conservatives believe that cost and responsibility sharing could help the industry we are not committed to the Government’s current proposals,” he said.

The Liberal Democrats also attacked the Bill. Shadow Lib Dem Defra Secretary, Tim Farron said the Government’s decision to ‘pass the buck’ on to farmers by making them share the cost of animal disease outbreaks was a ‘disgrace’.

The Bill has also gone down badly in Scotland. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead is concerned the UK Treasury will be heavily involved in the cost sharing element of the plans and has written to Defra seeking clarification on the issue.

He said: “UK Ministers in London must not impose any new livestock tax on Scotland as they begin to legislate for the transferring the cost of animal disease outbreaks to farmers.”

He said he supported the principle that the farming industry should share the costs associated with maintaining and improving health and welfare.

“What I cannot support is any suggestion that these costs will be generated through some form of cattle and sheep tax.  That’s why I’ve written to my UK counterpart asking for clarification following the worrying revelation that the Treasury is involved in taking forward Defra’s cost-sharing plans.”

“I am against any such tax being imposed on Scottish farmers.”

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