HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc270-1W
Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the time it takes for Environmentally sensitive areas payments to be made to farmers; and how many farmers are awaiting payment. [34132]

Mr. Morley

The Department aims to pay valid claims under the ESA scheme within two months of their receipt. In the most recent payment round, 89 per cent. of claims under ESA management agreements had been authorised for payment by 31 January 2002. On that date, 702 claims were awaiting authorisation for payment and these should be processed shortly.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her plans for the provision of ESA payments. [34131]

Mr. Morley

Proposed funding for the ESA scheme is set out in the England Rural Development Programme which covers the period 2000 to 2006. There are now 11,300 agreement holders under the scheme. The Department aims to make annual payments to them within two months of receiving valid claims.