§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the "Action Plan for Farming" published on 30 March contains no commitment to the maintenance of his Department's regional service centres; and if he will make a statement. [117698]
§ Mr. MorleyThe action plan for farming makes clear the Government's commitment to minimise administrative and cost burdens, to simplify bureaucracy, and to improve the use of information and communication technologies in fanning communities.
The recent review of Common Agricultural policy (CAP) scheme administration was commissioned to help us identify the best way to improve the service currently provided to farmers and traders by MAFF's Regional Service Centres (RSCs) and the Intervention Board Executive Agency taking full advantage of the benefits of modern technology.
No decisions have yet been taken on the future of the RSCs following this review. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 27 March 2000, Official Report, column 37W, which sets out the latest position.