§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which regulations affect the eligibility of farming enterprises currently determining their separate business status to receive payments of sheep annual premium, suckler cow premium, hill livestock compensatory allowances and arable aid payments; and if he will make a statement. [7214]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonSeparate regulations govern each of the individual aid schemes listed. In addition, over-arching rules on business eligibility are laid down in the Council and Commission Regulations 3508/92 and 3887/92, as amended, respectively establishing an integrated administration and control system for community aid schemes. Elaboration of these rules is contained in the annual IACS booklet provided to potential claimants.
§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to effect payments of 1996 sheep annual premium, suckler cow premium, hill 559W livestock compensatory allowances and arable aid payments to farming enterprises currently determining their separate business status; and if he will make a statement. [7215]
§ Mr. RobertsonPayments under the schemes to eligible businesses will be made in the normal way. In cases where the status of the business is in dispute and where the special review arrangements, which we have established, have been invoked, letters are being sent to the farmers concerned inviting them to agree that the related businesses should be treated as one, on a provisional basis, to facilitate payment and to avoid potential hardship.