§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
When will the "state aid difficulties" being experienced in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs fallen stock scheme be resolved; and [HL1582]
Whether they have sought the approval of the European Commission to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs fallen stock scheme; and whether that approval is reliant on changes being made to the original scheme. [HL1583]
§ Lord WhittyOfficials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discussed the scheme informally with the Commission in November 2003 in order to minimise potential difficulties with the state aid notification, following which a formal notification was submitted in January. In accordance with normal EU procedures the Commission has two months to respond to the notification. However, the Commission may request further information which will have the effect of resetting the clock. Defra officials have asked for a further meeting with the Commission to ascertain whether the Commission is broadly content with the notification, or will be seeking changes as a condition for its approval.
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What guidance has been given to local authorities in light of the delayed start of the fallen stock scheme; and if none has been given to date, whether they plan to do so; and when they will place a copy of that guidance in the Library of the House. [HL1584]
170WA
§ Lord WhittyLocal authorities, through the LACORS website, have been made aware of the delay and the continuing request that they take a pragmatic approach to enforcement as stated in the news release issued by Defra on 24 February. In addition a letter is being sent to LACORS setting out the Government's guidance on enforcement and a copy is being placed in the Library of the House.