Storm Bert: National Preparedness Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Lord Blencathra
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Storm Bert: National Preparedness
Lord Blencathra Excerpts(2 days, 1 hour ago)
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Lord Blencathra (Con)
My Lords, Storm Bert was a tragedy for home owners who were flooded out and whose homes and businesses were destroyed; they have our sympathy and support. It was also a disaster for farmers, who are already worried about increased cost and tax burdens as a result of the Budget. The Conservative Government introduced the farming recovery fund to support farmers in these exact circumstances. Can the Minister tell the House exactly how much financial support has been given to farmers through the fund in response to Storm Bert, since she confirmed that the scheme has already been opened?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
As I am sure the noble Lord is aware, we recently announced £60 million to be distributed through the farming recovery fund for the previous floods. It is very important that we support farmers. It is a very difficult time when your land is flooded; it can take a long time to recover and be very expensive. We are currently looking at this.