§ 25. Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review the application forms for sheep annual premium, suckler cow premium and the over thirty months scheme to prevent farmers being penalised for inadvertently making mistakes. [72479]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesMy right hon. Friend announced in December that £16 million would be invested over the next three years in the Welsh Office's Agricultural Offices to revolutionise the service provided to farmers and speed up the payment process. As part of this we will be reviewing data collection processes. Welsh officials are working closely with producers and their representatives to find out precisely what improvements will deliver most benefit to farmers whilst retaining the necessary controls over expenditure.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.