§ Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for speeding up the processing of claims compensatory allowances for hill farmers in Wales, in view of the fact that only 10 per cent. of claims have so for gone for payment.
§ Mr. Alec JonesSome 40 per cent. of claims received in Wales have not been correctly completed and this has led to heavy demands by Welsh farmers on local staff for advice on the correct completion of their claims under the new regulations. Staff in Wales have been augmented and already working long hours to apply the new procedures and get claims passed for payment. Since my right hon. and learned Friend's reply on 24th February the proportion of correct claims received which has gone forward for payment has gone up to 15 per cent. I am satisfied that as a result of the measures already taken the present accumulation of outstanding claims will soon be dispersed.—[Vol. 906, c.131.]