§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to review the position regarding agricultural occupancy conditions. [24049]
§ Mr. MossFollowing a review of procedures it has been agreed that the "four-year rule", which requires that enforcement proceedings can be initiated only within four years of a breach, should apply to agricultural occupancy conditions. I have also decided to appoint a consultant to advise on alternatives to the use of occupancy conditions. It is expected that the consultants' report will lead to a further review of policy.