To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many claims in Cumbria arising from the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak were settled in each year from 2001 to 2007; and how many are outstanding. (165503)

The numbers of claims brought in Cumbria following the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak, which were settled either in court or by an out of court settlement, are as follows:

(i) 405 claims were settled in relation to animal valuation; and

(ii) 388 claims were settled in relation to cleansing and disinfection.

Establishing the number of claims that were settled each year from 2001 to 2007 could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.

There are still three outstanding claims in Cumbria. In each case, negotiations between DEFRA and the claimants are ongoing and matters currently rest with the claimants.

In addition, there are four farmers who have not yet submitted a formal claim for damage to their properties during 2001.