Arable Area Payments

HL Deb 29 February 1996 vol 569 cc109-10WA

Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they have taken to strengthen the regional organisation following the delays experienced in 1995 in payments under the arable area payments scheme.

Lord Lucas:

With the aim of avoiding any such delays on this or other schemes, and despite a general reduction in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's running costs budget of over 5 per cent., the regional organisation (which makes payments under the arable area payments scheme) will benefit from an increased level of provision for the financial year 1996/97 compared with the current year. Various improvements in information technology and in management procedures arc also in train.