§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to public funds of implementing in full the proposals for moduletron contained in the report of the Policy Commission on Farming and Food. [48562]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 April 2002]: In discussion with stakeholders, others in Government and the devolved administrations, DEFRA is considering the implications of the Policy Commission's proposals on modulation very carefully. The table below provides preliminary estimates, for the three years starting 2003–04, of the costs in England if the rate of modulation were increased as the Policy Commission propose. Any decision on whether to adjust the rate of modulation is subject to the Spending Review.
2002: Consultation on completing implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England.All farmers potentially affected by each round of proposed designations have been invited to participate, as well as a broad range of stakeholder organisations.