§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have to introduce the early retirement scheme for farmers approved by the European Commission; and what proportion of the scheme is co-financed by the EAGGF/Guarantee Fund.
§ Mr. AncramThere are no plans to introduce an early retirement scheme for farmers in Northern Ireland under the provision approved by the European Commission. The regulation covering a discretionary early retirement scheme provides for EC co-financing of 50 per cent. of cost rising to 75 per cent. in objective 1 areas.