HC Deb 23 April 1996 vol 276 cc122-3W
Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in what ways the Scottish Office criteria regarding the allocation of FEOGA funds under EC regulation 866/90 differ from those used by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. [25613]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

[holding answer 22 April 1996]With effect from 31 March 1996, EC regulation 866/90 does not now operate in England.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many FEOGA grants under EC regulation 866/90 were received by his Department in each year over the past three years on the dates on which decisions were announced. [25614]

Mr. Robertson

[holding answer 22 April 1996]FEOGA grant applications under EC regulation 866/90 received for each tranche of awards were as follows:

  • 19 for consideration in December 1994;
  • 32 new applications plus three carried forward for consideration in June 1995;
  • 29 new applications plus five carried forward for consideration in June 1996.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the time taken in each of the last three years for his Department to process FEOGA grants under EC regulation 866/90. [25615]

Mr. Robertson

[holding answer 22 April 1996]The current scheme under EC regulation 866/90 was opened to applications on 1 July 1994 with the intention that announcements would normally be made in six-monthly tranches. The cut-off date is three months prior to the announcement to allow time for appraisal and selection of best projects.

Applications for the current round closed on 31 March and an announcement will be made in June.