§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost to her department of advertising in the media that 15 May 1994 was the deadline for receipt of completed area aid applications under the IACS; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe cost of advertising the 15 May 1994 deadline for IACS applications in the national farming press was £16,694 including production, advertising charges and VAT.
The aid available under the common agriculture policy schemes which require submission of an IACS form is an important part of the income of many farmers. I considered it vital to ensure that there was wide publicity in respect of the deadline because 1994 is only the second year of IACS operation and because two extra schemes were subject to the IACS requirements this year.