HL Deb 20 December 2001 vol 630 c90WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, against the background of foot and mouth disease and falling rural incomes, they intend to offer grants to farmers in order that they can establish appropriate computer links to Whitehall to comply with the request by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that they should produce "e-enabled whole farm plans"; and [HL2091]

Whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' proposal that farmers should produce "e-enabled whole farm plans" is compliant with the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Data Protection Act 1998; and [HL2092]

To what extent the viability of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' proposal that farmers should produce "e-enabled whole farm plans" is dependent upon delivery of broadband computer links to rural areas. [HL2093]

Lord Whitty

As mentioned in the Oral Answer of 26 November(Official Report, col. 8), the Government and Policy Commission are considering many options to help build a sustainable modern, farming industry. E-enabled whole farm plans are among them. The details mentioned are among many which would need to be addressed before this particular option could be pursued. No decisions will be taken before we have received the recommendations of the Policy Commission or without full consultation with stakeholders.