§ Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to expedite the payment of outstanding hill livestock compensatory allowances; and if he will indicate the reasons for his Department's delay in making these payments.
§ Mr. MillanMy Department is making, every effort to pay these allowances as quickly as possible. Overtime is being, worked, and about 6,000 of the 21,500 applications received have been passed for payment. The payment process was later in starting this year, partly because the closing date for applications was a month later than usual, and partly because of the unfamiliarity of farmers and staff with a completely new scheme. The initial difficulties have been overcome, and the processing of applications is being speeded up.