§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if computer systems in the Rural Payments agency are capable of handling payments in euros; and if she will make a statement. [50458]
§ Margaret BeckettThe Rural Payments agency is operating a system for paying traders in euro where requested. This system covers schemes outlined in a statement by the Minister in 1998, for example export refunds. internal market schemes and intervention. Due to the complexities of the legacy computer systems direct aid payments to farmers are not yet covered.
The Rural Payments agency (RPA) has included euro capability in the design for its new business system. The needs of the RPA's customers will be central to the development work which we plan on completing by the end of 2004.