§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what delays have taken place in the past six months in the processing and payment of hill livestock compensatory allowances in the Borders region; and whether he is satisfied that all current claims are being received and paid expeditiously.
§ Mr. YoungerFarmers are asked to submit claims for hill livestock compensatory allowances between 1 and 31 January and the claims are usually paid in the period from February to May; accordingly, the question of delay in the past six months does not arise. I am satisfied that claims for the current year are being processed as quickly as possible.