§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received advocating an extension of the deadline for submitting completed integrated administration and control system forms.
§ Mr. David HuntSeveral.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will require local authorities in Wales to make maps available to farmers to assist in the completion of the integrated administration and control system forms before 15 May.
§ Mr. David HuntThe ability which local authorities have to allow farmers access to maps is constrained by the facilities they have for public viewing and the terms of any copyright agreement related to the maps in their possession. Given the urgent need which farmers have to obtain the information required to complete their integrated administration and control system forms, I have agreed with the Ordnance Survey that local276W authorities and other organisations which hold maps may be allowed to make them available for viewing and, provided that they adopt the appropriate commercial arrangements pertaining to copyright agreements, for sale also. Many organisations, including local authorities, have responded positively to a request to offer this facility to farmers.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations his Department made to the European Commission concerning the deadline set for the submission of completed integrated administration and control system forms.
§ Mr. David HuntThe deadline for the submission of applications has been set at 15 May in the governing EC regulation to allow sufficient time for field inspections to be undertaken to verify claims under the new arable aid and beef support regimes. At the Agriculture Council last week the Commission confirmed that the deadline cannot be extended.