§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the increase in paperwork issued by his Department to farmers since 1990; and what steps he is taking to reduce the administrative load on farmers. [149076]
§ Ms QuinNo official estimate has been made of the increase in the level of paperwork since 1990 and the burden depends on the nature and size of individual enterprises. Furthermore, the number, scope and type of schemes have changed to meet new needs and priorities, and continue to do so.
The Department is committed to reducing paperwork. All forms issued by the Department are reviewed for need and content at least once every three years. In many cases this is done in consultation with industry. All new forms require ministerial approval, and are trialled with users before being issued.
Implementation of the Red Tape Review recommendations, made in response to concerns identified by farmers themselves, have already achieved reductions worth £3 million as well as reduced time spent on form filling. Further savings, for example, through the introduction of electronic forms and co-ordinated inspections are well under way. We continue to work both at home and in Brussels to secure further regulatory reform where possible consistent with the need to protect public and animal health, the environment and taxpayers money.