Here's a statement drafted by civil servants in Defra for their Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, to deliver on compensation for farmers affected by recent foot and mouth outbreak.
"This outbreak arises from an unusual set of circumstances and to reflect that hte Chief Secretary to the Treasury has agreed, exceptionally, to fund this package of assistance for the English livestock sector, amounting to £12m from the Treasury Reserve.
"I have also agreed with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that Scotland should recieve £8.1m and Wales £6.5m to assist them in countering the impacts of foot and mouth on their livestock farmers".
Clear enough? Except when Mr Benn got to his feet on Monday, this is what he told MPs: "I am announcing today a package of assistance for the English livestock sector, amounting to £12.5m. The devolved administrations are proposing to introduce their own schemes".
No mention of any cash at all. We're on the case.
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