§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons the payment of beef and sheep premiums to farmers by his Department has been subject to delay. [54860]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 19 October 1998]: There have been no delays in making beef and sheep payments to farmers. Payments have been made in accordance with the deadlines laid down in the schemes concerned and with MAFF's published targets.
The Ministry will continue to make every effort to ensure that farmers receive the payments due to them as rapidly as possible consistent with the operation of proper financial control.