Common Agricultural Policy

HL Deb 07 February 2005 vol 669 cc89-90WA

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What reduction or increase in expenditure (expressed in euros) by the United Kingdom on the Common Agricultural Policy is expected from the change from the integrated administration and control system in 2003–04 to the single payment scheme in 2004–05. [HL695]

Lord Whitty

UK expenditure on payments in respect of the first scheme year (2005) of the single payment scheme (SPS) is expected to be around €3.7 billion, including an element for the decoupling of dairy premium. This amount compares with expenditure for the 2004 scheme year under the integrated administration and control system of €3.5 billion. The expected increase is therefore €0.2 billion, due primarily to the increasing rates for dairy premium. Expenditure on SPS in subsequent years will depend on a number of factors, including the potential effect of the EU's financial discipline measure.