HC Deb 25 November 1993 vol 233 c118W
Mrs. Lait

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the dates of payment of sheep and beef premium and arable area payments including set-aside for 1993 and 1994.

Mr. Jack

In England payments under the 1993 sheep annual premium scheme started on 5 October 1993 and 77 per cent. of claims had been paid by 19 November. Advance payments under the 1993 beef special premium scheme began in the middle of November and for the 1993 suckler cow premium scheme are expected to start in January. The remainder of the premium due for both these schemes will be paid between April and June 1994.

The first advance oilseeds payments under the 1992–93 arable area payments scheme were made on 26 August 1993 and over 99 per cent. of claims had been paid by 30 September. Payments for oilseeds, cereals, proteins and set aside started on 20 October 1993. Payments under the 1994 sheep annual premium scheme and the 1993–94 arable area payments scheme are not due until next year.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will now publish county-based figures with respect for the arable area payments scheme.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.