§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on 11 November 2002; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey(a) during inspection for health certification purposes and (b) at Dover docks, and to where those sheep were taken; and what was the address of the final destination given on the route plan for each of the consignments; [80764]
(2) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on (a) 1 November,
54WProducers who have experienced delays in receiving their 2001 scheme year bovine balance payments beyond 30 June as a result of a failure by the Agency or the British Cattle Movement Service will be compensated. The Agency is still finalising how the arrangement will be implemented. However, compensation will not be paid in any other circumstances. This would include for example, payment delayed because the Cattle Tracing System database had not been notified of changes prior to cross-checks being undertaken.
The Sheep Annual Premium Scheme
The payment window for the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme opened on 16 October 2002 and closes on 31 March 2003. 97per cent of the premium and national envelope top up payments were issued in the first few days of the opening of the payment window. In addition, 8,044 producers (95per cent, of those qualifying for the less favoured area supplement) have now received the supplementary payment amounting to £13 million.
England Rural Development Programme
The majority of ERDP scheme claims are currently being paid within published targets.