Farron invites Farming Minister to see damage done by FMD

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 31st Oct 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has today written to Lord Rooker, the Minister for Sustainable Farming inviting him to come and see for himself the damage that this summer's foot and mouth outbreak has done to the farming industry in the area. Although the disease never went beyond the Surrey/Berkshire area, the national movement restrictions put in place had a knock on effect nationwide.

It is thought that the farming industry as a whole has suffered losses of more that £200 million, making the £12 million support package offered by DEFRA look decidedly short of the mark.

Tim Farron said:

"Lord Rooker has expressed an interest in coming to visit a farm in my constituency before, and in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak this summer now would seem a very appropriate time to do so.

"We are all obviously thankful that the disease was prevented from spreading, but this should not detract from the fact that farmers are still struggling with prices now at a twenty year low. I would like give Lord Rooker the chance to see first hand the damage done."