"Keeping Britain farming is an investment that the Government isn't making" - Farron

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Oct 2007

Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming attacked the Government's farming policy in today's debate on foot and mouth. Mr Farron criticised the Government for not providing adequate investment in a vital industry. Mr Farron also repeated his calls for DEFRA to provide price support for farmers, some of whom have lost well in excess of £10,000 in recent months.

Tim Farron said:

"The second wave of the foot and mouth outbreak came at the worst possible time for the farming industry - right at the beginning of the market season. A farmer in my constituency is losing something on the order of £14 on every lamb he sells, and this is the case for many others up and down the country.

"The Government is clearly at fault here, and has a clear responsibility to provide significant assistance to those suffering heavy losses. They aren't the only ones who have a case to answer though, I would condemn the role of some supermarkets in exploiting beleaguered farmers by not providing a fair price for meat.

"The farming industry is vital to the economy of this country, the Government needs to take a long hard look at their policies. It is imperative that in killing off foot and mouth the Government does not kill off farming."