§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of the assistance to farmers to compensate for the bad summer weather has actually been paid to the farmers concerned in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Scotland; what percentage of the total allocated this represents in each case; what arrangements he has for further payments to be made by the end of the year; and when he expects the process to be completed.
§ Mr. JoplingSo far as England is concerned, farmers have until 13 January to submit their claims but a considerable number have already been received. The processing of these is well advanced and we hope to be in a position to pay about 70 per cent. of the total due by the end of the year.
So far as the position in the other countries is concerned, this is a matter for the appropriate Secretaries of State.