§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps the Government are taking to ensure that Welsh farmers receive their grant payments on time. [24294]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsSignificant overtime is being worked in the Welsh Office Agriculture Department's Divisional Offices, to help cope with the current delays in getting payments out to farmers. In 1997–98, the Welsh Office is investing an additional £1.4 million in better IT equipment and systems for the Agriculture Department, to secure long-term improvements. An Information Systems Strategy is examining options for investment in new IT programmes. In common with other aspects of delivery of services by Government, administration of Common Agricultural Policy schemes in the UK is being examined as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.