Integrated Administration and Control System

HC Deb 27 February 2004 vol 418 cc581-2W

Andrew George

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) total budget and (b) budget for administration were for the Integrated Administration and Control System panel for financial year 2002–03. [156508]

Alun Michael

The Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) Appeal Procedure in England is demand led and throughput determines the level of expenditure. The costs of administering the IACS Appeal Procedure are met from the overall administration costs of the Rural Payments Agency.

The IACS Panel convenes to consider cases that have progressed to the second stage of the Appeal Procedure. Each Panel is made up of three independent members who are drawn from a pool of 16. Members are paid a day and half's fee for each Panel Hearing that they attend together with their travelling expenses.

In 2002–03 three IACS Panel Hearings were held to consider five appeals. The daily fee at that time was £149.