§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that the new schemes set up under Common Agricultural Policy reform will be simpler to administer; and if she will make a statement. [173692]
§ Alun MichaelUnder the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which the Secretary of State announced on 6 June 2003, some 10 direct support schemes will cease and decoupled payment to farmers will be made under one integrated Single Payment Scheme. This is a significant simplification for farmers and administrators.At the same time, the Rural Payments Agency is implementing a modernisation of its working practices, including replacement of IT systems as part of a co-ordinated Change Programme. This will allow significant benefits to farmers and to the taxpayers as part of a simpler process for handling, validating and paying customers and in streamlining application procedures.