§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many map errors were discovered when performing IACS map checks; and what was the net potential loss to his Department if the errors had not been corrected. [73292]
§ Mr. RookerMap checks only form a small component of the total number of detailed validation checks on Area Aid Applications carried out under IACS, and it is not possible to separate out exactly how many officials were involved. Map checks have been carried out on all 2,174,843 parcels entered on IACS Area Aid Applications in England between 1995 and 1998, and discrepancies in field numbers and areas have been discovered in 352,941 of these. However, some 73 per cent. of the discrepancies found were of a clerical nature which would have had no effect on any claims made. No separate information is available on the savings resulting from map checks in terms of the adjustment made to the value of claims, but they do not as a rule have a major impact. On the other hand, if the checks had not been carried out there would have been significant risk of disallowance of exchequer expenditure for reimbursement out of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund. It is not possible to quantify the net potential loss involved as it is the responsibility of the Commission to decide the amount of disallowance for each individual case. The amount is calculated by determining the risk (real or potential) to Community funds.