(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department on (a) mitigation measures and (b) compensation in relation to aquaculture industries in circumstances where compulsory slaughter is ordered following an outbreak of a List 2 disease.
Following the recent outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia on a trout farm in the River Ouse catchment area, officials from my Department are holding regular discussions with their counterparts in the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department on a range of matters relating to the control of the disease, including the application of risk mitigation measures.
The discussions have included consideration of changes that may be necessary to the Diseases of Fish (Control) Regulations 1994 (as amended), in the light of experience gained from dealing with the current outbreak. The discussions have also confirmed the Department’s policy of not compensating for the compulsory slaughter of fish due to a serious disease outbreak.