Lord Carlile of Berriewasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will introduce measures to facilitate the retirement of farmers from farms which are to continue as farming units. [HL1649]
§ Baroness HaymanNeither the England Rural Development Plan nor the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan include an early retirement scheme for farmers under the provisions of the Rural Development Regulation (EC No 1257/1999). These plans are subject to the approval of the European Commission and to mid-term reviews. Decisions on which measures to use were taken in the light of extensive consultation and an economic appraisal.
Implementation of the Rural Development Regulation in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the devolved administrations.