One of the, in a sense, ironic results of the current Crisis of Fmd is the commitment given by the Minister to instigate, once the crisis is over, as it will be eventually, a thorough examination of the role of farming, the countryside, abattoirs and the food chain.

The English Tourism Council has pointed out that if there is a silver lining to the Terrible Fmd Crisis it is that it has demonstrated to the Government, the business community and the public what the industry already knew: the importance of tourism to local economies.

Mr. Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much of the money committed to rural businesses as part of the rural recovery programme following the Fmd Crisis has been allotted.

The figures exclude any compensation received for animals slaughtered during the Fmd Crisis for reasons of disease control or animal health.