§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out, in regard to his reorganisation of his Department, the assumptions he has made for the uptake of internet technology among farmers; and what provision has been made for farmers unable to access the required technology. [134097]
§ Mr. Nick BrownThe creation of the new CAP Payments Agency (CAPPA) will transform the way in which farmers claim their CAP payments. I recognise that some farmers are concerned about the changes and the CAPPA business case makes the prudent assumption that only around 20 per cent. of farmers will be using electronic forms by 2004. I believe that this is achievable, and that many farmers will recognise the benefits of electronic form submission and will be keen to use them.
Encouraging farmers to submit their claims electronically is clearly important to the success of CAPPA. We will work very closely with them to help them reap the benefits which electronic service delivery offers. As a first step, the consultation exercise "Modernising Key Services" sought views on the best way of ensuring a smooth transition to the new arrangements, and we are currently analysing the response.