HC Deb 28 March 2000 vol 347 cc82-3W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to make assistance for early retirement available to farmers under the provisions of the Rural Development Regulation (EC No. 1750/1999). [116222]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 27 March 2000]: Neither 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.