News story

5th August 2005

MP Discusses TB Crisis with Local Farmers

Northavon MP Steve Webb has met local farmers' leaders to discuss a range of farming issues. The MP visited Parkmill Farm on the outskirts of Thornbury where he was shown the new milking facilities which have recently been installed. Also present were other local farmers and local representatives of the National Farmers Union who were keen to raise the issue of bovine TB.

Although Parkmill Farm does not have a TB problem, many local farms have suffered and South Gloucestershire is known as a "hotspot" for the disease. The strong view was expressed in the discussions that the Government is not doing enough to protect farmers from the threat of TB which could drive some out of business.

A wide range of other farming issues was also discussed, including changes in the way the Government subsidises farming, low farmgate milk prices, difficulties with the planning system and rising water bills.

Speaking after the visit, Steve Webb MP said:

"When a farm is shut down because of an outbreak of Bovine TB it can have devastating effects, and our area has suffered particularly badly. In the light of my conversations with local farmers I will certainly be stepping up the pressure on the Government to take more effective action to tackle this serious problem.

"On a more positive note, it was encouraging to see at first hand a farm investing in new facilities despite the many uncertainties facing farming at present."