§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when details on the application of the National Fallen Stock Scheme will be announced; and what consultation there has been with farmers on the scheme. [133597]
§ Mr. BradshawRapid progress is now being made on the establishment of this Scheme. We have recently announced the names of the Directors who will sit on the Board of the company that will run the Scheme. These were selected by organisations representing the farming industry and cover regional and sectoral interests. They are now addressing key issues associated with Scheme rules. The Scheme administrators are developing the necessary computer software for recording farmer details and registration. If things go according to plan we hope that the Scheme will be up and running early in the New Year.