§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will estimate the number of food-exporting firms who are still awaiting refunds under the European Community's common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if his Department will be paying compensation to those food-exporting firms who are still awaiting refunds under the European Community's common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will make a statement on the delay in payment of refunds to United Kingdom food manufacturers and exporters; how many firms were affected; and if a computer system was responsible.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI share my hon. Friend's concern at the continuation of some delays in the payment of export refunds, which are largely the result of technical problems earlier this year with the development of software for the Intervention Board's computerised external claims system. The Intervention Board continues to do everything possible to restore the position on all claims. Considerable progress has been made, and around 70 per cent. of all claims by value are being paid within two months. Compensation payments will be made under the scheme announced in July on all claims paid since 1 January 1988 after more than two months. Records are not kept of the number of companies whose claims are delayed but, in general, they currently fall within the pigmeat, processed goods and ships stores sectors. Further headway is however being made in these areas, and payment times should progressively improve.