IT may come as a surprise to many of your readers to discover that the European Union is footing the 60 per cent compensation bill for farmers suffering because of the foot and mouth crisis. Presumably this is one instance when we could be grateful for our membership of the EU.
Eurosceptics are often keen to attack Europe alleging that the relationship is an expensive waste of UK taxpayer's money. In fact, 'waste' and 'fraud' are words commonly used to attack Europe, yet it was the European Commission's food and veterinary office that first announced, two months ago, that it had concerns about the UK compensation system. As a result of this the anti-fraud office of the commission has been called in.
If this investigation should unearth anything untoward, payments could be stopped. Because the bill already exceeds £2 billion and is rising, UK taxpayers should count their lucky stars that the EU is there to ensure their money is being wisely spent.
Diana Wallis MEP,
Land of Green Ginger, Hull.
Updated: 10:17 Monday, August 13, 2001
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