§ Mr. HicksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what has been the total cost to his Department of preparing and bringing charges against farmers in Devon and Cornwall for allegedly misusing departmental grants for hedging and ditching; against how many farmers his Department has prepared cases; how many have been charged; and what has been the outcome of any court cases so far; [18005]
(2) if it is his Department's intention to continue to pursue charges against farmers in Devon and Cornwall for allegedly misusing hedging and ditching grants; and if he will make a statement. [18006]
§ Mrs. BrowningThis Department has been conducting investigations into a large number of grant applications in1060W Devon and Cornwall.As a result of these investigations, so far, 19 people have been summoned and subsequently committed to the Crown court for trial. One case has been heard, at the end of February, and this resulted in an acquittal of the defendant. Three further cases are likely to be listed for trial in May. All the cases are kept under constant review in accordance with the code for Crown prosecutors. Further reports are under consideration and at this stage I am unable to comment further.
It is not possible to calculate the total cost to the Department of preparing and bringing charges before the court without disproportionate cost being incurred.