§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much was paid in area payments in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what is the policy objective of making these payments. [28763]
§ Mr. MorleyPayments in the UK under the 1997 Arable Area Payments Scheme are estimated to be £1,216 million. The European Union introduced the Scheme to compensate arable farmers for the reduction in support prices arising from the 1992 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.