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Foot and Mouth
13/10/2007
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, will once again be attempting to make contact with the DEFRA Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, by phone on Monday.
Mr Lochhead is seeking an update on financial assistance from the UK Government to help Scotland cope with the aftermath of the FMD outbreaks south of the border.
Mr Lochhead considers that it is imperative, for the interests of Scotland and Scottish farmers, that the UK and Scottish Government remain in contact on this issue.
He said:
"Several times early last week, following his announcement in the House of Commons where he promised financial aid for farmers south of the border, I was told to expect a call from Hilary Benn after I had requested discussions on the absence of aid for Scotland.
"I will once again do my best to make contact with Hilary Benn because very clearly we have a number of issues to discuss including the UK Government's obligation to fund the sheep welfare scheme put in place in Scotland as a result of the impact of the foot and mouth outbreaks.
"Given the urgency of the animal welfare situation on Scotland's hill farms, the Scottish Government has proceeded with the scheme rather than await the outcome of our negotiations with the UK Government on their responsibility under the devolution settlement to pay for it.
"The budget held by the UK Government applies to Scotland as well as elsewhere. At the very least, we would hope to receive the = 8.1m that was at one point earmarked for Scotland reinstated.
"Ever since the first FMD outbreak in August, the Scottish Government has bent over backwards to be cooperative and work in a constructive manner with UK Government. However, that has to be two way process."