HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 cc83-4W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to detect and prosecute cases of agricultural fraud.

Mr. MacGregor

All agricultural subsidies paid in the United Kingdom are subject to pre or post-payment verification, by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, IBAP or Agriculture Departments as appropriate.

Any suspicious or irregular payments are investigated, and recovery action is taken. When justified by the evidence available, prosecutions are brought (19 in the period 1984–88).