§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated number of farmers in Scotland entitled to receive sheep premium grants; how many were settled by(a) 30 April, (b) 15 May and (c) 31 May and what each of those numbers of claims represents as a percentage of the estimated number of farmers in Scotland entitled to receive those grants.
§ Sir Hector MonroOver 23,500 Scottish sheep producers currently hold quota and, provided they met the other requirements of the 1993 sheep annual premium scheme, were eligible to receive premium under that scheme. Many farmers combine to form producer groups and the total number of 1993 claims received was 16,846. The number and percentage of those claims paid are as follows:
Advance payment Final payment Number Per cent. Number Per cent. By 30 April 15,583 92.5 Nil — By 15 May 15,657 92.9 15,503 92.0 By 31 May 15,657 92.9 15,503 92.0