§ Lord Norrieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why it is necessary to produce fresh guidelines for the administration of the European Integrated Administration and Control System for farm payments for the cropping year 2000; and when they expect this new guidance to be available for farmers. [HL4547]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) explanatory guide is published every year either as a completely new booklet, or as a supplementary booklet containing details of changes since the previous year. In addition there are also explanatory guides for the individual schemes administered under the IACS umbrella which include the Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAPS), the Beef Special Premium Scheme (BSPS), the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) and the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme (SAPS). The revised booklets clarify scheme rules as necessary and also give guidance on changes required by amendment to the European legislation.
The new guidance will be available in February 2000. Clarification on the guidelines concerning area measurement will be included in the explanatory guide to the 2000 Arable Area Payments Scheme which will be published at the: end of November.