Defra Cuts will Sacrifice Key Services - Huhne

12.00.00am GMT Sun 18th Nov 2007

Commenting on the reports that Defra is facing budget cuts of up to £300 million, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"I pointed out at the time of the Pre-Budget Report that the Treasury is looking for more than £300 million of efficiency savings in the Defra budget which are completely unidentified.

"Inevitably, this means cuts in services like animal health directed at dealing with foot-and-mouth, bluetongue and avian flu. It also means further cuts in important budgets like waterways, which are so crucial for the tourism industry.

"It is not even clear that the flood defence budget will be protected, as there is no allowance for urgent repairs to the defences damaged by the floods in the summer and the recent coastal surge.

"Ministers should own up to the full consequences of what has been a lousy public expenditure settlement for Defra."