HC Deb 14 February 1985 vol 73 cc242-3W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when Her Majesty's Government and the European Economic Community Commission propose to implement the decision of the Agricultural Council in March 1984 to make an advance payment of 30 per cent. of the annual ewe premium for 1984–85 to producers in less favoured areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The European Commission has not yet published its regulation authorising the 30 per cent. advance payment of the annual ewe premium for the 1984–85 marketing year. Payments will issue immediately the rate has been confirmed.

I hope that the regulation will be published within the next few days.