§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many farmers in Wales are currently eligible for ewe annual premium payments; how many claims for payment have been received; how many have been paid; and when those outstanding claims will be paid.
§ Mr. RedwoodWe estimate from the pattern of claims usually received that about 17,500 farmers in Wales are eligible for sheep annual premium; 17,445 eligible claims were received in 1993 of which 8,603 have been paid. All outstanding claims will be paid as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the completion of payments for the ewe premium scheme for 1993–94.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe combined payment of the first and second instalments are well advanced and should be virtually completed this month. The final payment will be made in the spring of 1994 when the full rate of premium for the year has been calculated.