To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what compensation is available to aquaculture industries in cases where compulsory slaughter is ordered due to an outbreak of a list 2 disease; and what recent discussions he has had with the aquaculture industry on this issue. (82691)

[holding answer 5 July 2006]: Under successive Governments, compensation has not been available for the compulsory slaughter of fish due to an outbreak of serious fish diseases; this remains my Department's policy.

Following the recent outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia on a trout farm in the River Ouse catchment area, I have held meetings with farmers in the area and their representative organisations to hear their concerns and consider options for alleviating current difficulties.