§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce an early retirement scheme for farmers; and if he will make a statement. [120736]
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§ Mr. IngramAs the hon. Member is aware, an early retirement scheme is one of the discretionary measures provided for under the Rural Development Regulation. However, such a scheme would be expensive. It would benefit relatively few people and would have to be paid for by many others. Given the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's existing budget and current commitments, it is simply not affordable at present. As a result, an early retirement scheme has not been included as one of the measures to be introduced in Northern Ireland in the period 2000–06 under the Rural Development (Accompanying Measures) Plan. However, a scheme has not been entirely ruled out and can be considered in the later years of the Plan period when modulation receipts are at their maximum. It is, however, a very costly option and it would need to be demonstrated that such a scheme would offer value for money.