HC Deb 04 November 1998 vol 318 c599W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the operation of enhanced retirement schemes for farmers. [57295]

Mr. Rooker

Earlier this year the Government announced that they would not be introducing an early retirement scheme for farmers in the UK because of the limitations imposed by the current EU rules. The Commission has proposed changing these rules as part of its Agenda 2000 proposals and the Government will reconsider the possibility of introducing an early retirement scheme for farmers in the UK after any changes have been agreed.