§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on late payment of sheep annual premium and special beef premium to farmers in Wales in 1993; and what steps he intends to take to ensure that payments are made on time in 1994.
§ Mr. RedwoodI have received representations from several sources.
Processing work on these schemes was delayed initially by the need to establish a new computer system to enable payments to be issued from the Welsh Office, and not from MAFF as previously. The system has now been established and good progress is being made.
92WPayments have been sent to 84 per cent. of sheep premium claimants. Payments have been authorised for 46 per cent. of holdings which submitted beef special premium claims and will be sent to them shortly.
Priority is being given to the remaining claims.