HC Deb 20 March 2003 vol 401 c871W
Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs why the claim for a share of the 2003 EU financial package to tackle BSE and other animal diseases was submitted late by her Department; and if she will make a statement. [103579]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 18 March 2003]The TSE programme was not submitted as a result of an oversight and a subsequent misunderstanding with the commission. The programme was submitted on 22 October when we asked the Commission to reconsider making an EU contribution. The Commission have now confirmed that it is not legally possible for a payment to be made.