§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of IACS payments will have been made to farmers by 31 January. [26087]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 11 January 2002]: At 30 December 20001, 68 per cent. of AAPS applications had been passed for payment.
The performance this year was initially affected by foot and mouth disease and more particularly lately by industrial action. The union suspended its industrial action on 11 January and the Rural Payments Agency, which is responsible for the administration of the scheme, is making every possible effort to ensure that as many payments as possible are made by 31 January.