§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether all Slaughter Premium Scheme claims for 2002 have now been(a) settled and (b) paid. [108036]
§ Alun MichaelFor the 2002 English Adult Animal Slaughter Premium Scheme, 57 per cent. of claims have been authorised for payment to date. 50 per cent. of claims have had advance payments made. No balance payments have been made.
There is no EC deadline for advance payments, but balance payments have to be made by 30 June following the end of the scheme year.
Those claims that are outstanding include ones that have either failed administrative checks or are subject to on-farm inspections. Agency staff are striving to complete work for 30 June in order to pay premium on eligible animals.