§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to simplify the administration of agricultural subsidy claims; and if he will make a statement. [59319]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesOn 16 March 1998,Official Report, column 459, the then Secretary of State announced that the Department was inviting consultants to tender for a study to assess the options for securing improved and simplified administration of Common Agricultural Policy payments to farmers within Wales. A number of options were analysed by the consultants and their report was submitted to the Welsh Office on 24 July 1998.
We are carefully considering the options and consulting with farming organisations, Welsh MPs, Welsh Office Trade Unions and staff, to seek their views, before reaching a final decision.
§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to assist farmers who are experiencing difficulties in accurately completing paperwork relating to the claiming of farming subsidies and financial assistance; and if he will make a statement. [59320]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesComprehensive Guidance is issued with every claim form. That guidance and the scheme claim forms are routinely passed to the industry for comment before issue, and efforts are made to annually update and improve scheme literature.
Officials from the Welsh Office are on hand to offer guidance as appropriate.