asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the financial loss incurred by farmers in Wales due to foot-and-mouth disease since 1st January, 1961; and what is the amount of compensation which has been paid to them.

Since 1st January, 1961, there have been 33 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Wales, involving the slaughter of 2,190 cattle, 3,872 sheep and 3,095 pigs. Total compensation payable for the slaughter of these animals is about £223,000. Compensation is not payable in respect of consequential losses, and it is not possible to estimate the extent of such losses.