§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of the Integrated Administration and Control System forms so far received have needed correction.
Earl HoweOfficials carry out an initial brief check of IACS forms received to ensure that essential details have been provided and the applications have been signed. Applications which satisfy this test are accepted as having been lodged with the department on the date of receipt. Other applications are returned to farmers for completion or signature, and will be regarded as having been lodged on the date we receive the completed or signed form. Of the applications so far subjected to this brief initial check, about 11 per cent. have been returned to farmers for completion or signature.
§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
53WAWhether the Integrated Administration and Control System forms received on 15th May that need corrections will be returned to the farmer and whether any corrections made by him after 15th May will invalidate the document.
Earl HoweIf IACS application forms received on 15th May are found to lack essential details or a signature, they will be returned to the farmer for completion. The farmer may submit a completed application after 15th May, but will have his claim for aid reduced under the rules relating to late claims.
§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider the Integrated Administration and Control System scheme in the light of their commitment to deregulate.
Earl HoweThe essence of the deregulation initiative is to ensure that regulatory burdens placed on businesses are proportionate to need. The information provided through IACS is necessary to ensure that very considerable amounts of public funding are properly disbursed. The burdens on farmers under IACS should, in any case, be reduced in future years.
§ Lord Burtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which countries have set a date for the completion of the IACS forms required by the European Community, and what dates have been set.
Earl HoweThe EC regulations set a deadline of 15th May for the return of IACS applications this year. We understand that the majority of member states have opted for a deadline on or around 15th May, though Spain set a closing date of 31st March and France a date of 30th April. Portugal has set 30th April for farmers with autumn and winter crops and 15th May for the others. There is provision in the EC regulations for member states to set a deadline between 15th May and 1st July where the application relates only to permanent pasture and it is submitted at the same time as a livestock aid application. We understand that only Ireland has exercised this option.