§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of payments due in December 1997 to farmers(a) were paid late and (b) have not been paid to date; and if he will make a statement. [46944]
§ Mr. MacdonaldUnder the Arable Area Payments Scheme in Scotland 98.6 per cent. of applicants received payments due by 31 December 1997 (representing 98 per cent. by value). As at 1 June 0.05 per cent. of applicants are yet to receive payments (representing 0.05 per cent. by value).