9. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress on reform of the common agricultural policy in relation to upland farming in Wales. [130885]
§ Mr. HansonA major reform arising from Agenda 2000 CAP reforms was contained in the European Commission's Rural Development Regulation, relating to Less Favoured Areas (LFAs). The new scheme for the LFAs, which constitute 80 per cent. of Wales, was submitted to the European Commission last December by the National Assembly for Wales. Commission approval is expected in the near future.