§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the need for greater flexibility in the arable area payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [31940]
§ Mr. JackRepresentations have been received from a wide range of agricultural and environmental bodies concerning proposals issued for consultation on 11 May on exchanges of eligible and ineligible land. These are being considered and details of any arrangements for 1996 will be included in the arable area payments explanatory guide 1995–96 due to be published this summer.
§ Mrs. WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department is taking to achieve provision for swapping of eligible and ineligible land under the terms of the arable area payments scheme; and whether those changes will be in place for 1996 integrated administration and control system claims. [31939]
§ Mr. JackA consultation document was issued on 11 May 1995 outlining in broad terms proposals for the conditions under which exchanges of eligible for ineligible land might be permitted. Representations are now being considered and I would expect shortly to take a decision on any arrangements for 1996 claims. Details of any changes will be included in the arable area payments explanatory guide for 1995–96, due to be published this summer.
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§ Mrs. WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals the European Commission has so far brought forward to ease the setting up of individual base areas in the context of the arable area payments scheme; and if he will summarise them; and what response he has made. [31937]