HL Deb 23 February 2004 vol 658 cc37-8WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the letter sent by the European Union Agriculture Commissioner recommending that the historic payment system should be adopted throughout the member states.[HL1253]

Lord Whitty

Commissioner Fischler's letter reminds member states of the circumstances in which an approach to the single farm payment based other than on historic receipts is permissible under EU law. The Government remains in regular touch with the Commission and, as a result of those discussions, is confident that the decisions announced in respect of England and Northern Ireland fall within those conditions.