§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the policy is of the Rural Payments Agency in respect of interest payable on late payments; and if she will make a statement. [88900]
§ Alun MichaelGovernment Departments and agencies of Government Departments are bound by the rules of Government accounting. In accordance with long established Government policy, compensation is not payable for delays in payment due to industrial action. Payment of compensation for delays in payment not due to industrial action are considered on their merits, provided that the payees own conduct has not contributed to the delay.
In keeping with this policy the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be making compensation payments, subject to a de minimus level of £50 per producer, to those producers who have experienced delays beyond the regulatory deadline of 30 June 2002, in receiving their 2001 scheme year bovine balance payments, as a result of failure by either the RPA or the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). Details are on the RPA website.