§ 26. Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the payment to farmers of hill livestock compensatory allowances.
§ Mr. David HuntI announced the substantial increases proposed for HLCA rates—worth an extra £4.7 million to Welsh farmers—on 11 February. Claim forms have previously been issued to farmers and my officials will be giving the highest priority to the processing of these claims. Subject to parliamentary approval of the new rates and the necessary checks farmers in Wales will receive their money as quickly as possible.