HL Deb 10 May 2001 vol 625 cc233-4WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make available £2 million in compensation which they failed to claim from the European Union agrimoney aid which was allocated for farmers involved in environmental schemes. [HL2022]

Baroness Hayman

When judging the case for applying for particular tranches of agrimonetary compensation the Government must balance the needs of the agricultural sectors against those of other sectors and the taxpayer. Given the current circumstances, additional expenditure has been targeted to those in greatest need, i.e. the livestock sector, where the maximum available, £156 million, is being paid, at a net cost to the UK taxpayer of £129 million.

Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they failed to claim the £42 million of European Union agrimoney aid which was available for the arable industry by the deadline of 30th April. [HL2021]

Baroness Hayman

While this Government accepts the difficulties currently faced by arabel farmers, in judging the case for applying for particular tranches of agrimonetary compensation they must balance the needs of the agricultural sectors against those of other sectors and the taxpayer. Given the current circumstances additional expenditure has been targeted to those in greatest need, i.e. the livestock sector, where the maximum available, £156 million, is being paid, at a net cost to the UK taxpayer of £129 million. Although the optional aid for the arable sector is not being drawn down this time, the sector will have received £290 million in agrimonetary compensation by the end of this year. This includes an amount of £28 million which will become available this July.