Agriculture: Single Farm Payments

Debate between Baroness Byford and Lord Henley

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I can confirm that the review which was published today was not asked to look at the mapping exercise. Nevertheless, due to the problems in this particular area, the review commented on it. I cannot confirm the figure of 1,250 farmers not having received their maps by the end of the period last year, but I can confirm from an Answer given by the noble Lord, Lord Davies of Oldham, that in March last year, some 10,333 were still outstanding. I do not know how far the figure dropped in the closing months. I can confirm that all have now been issued, but if my noble friend knows of any individual cases in England, I would be grateful if he could let me know.

[Baroness Byford]

My Lords, further to the Minister’s answer to my noble friend, can he say how many of the outstanding single farm payments—the figure I have been quoted is that some 818 such payments are still outstanding—are due to computer problems and how many to a combination of the mapping exercise and the computer system? That would help to clarify the situation for others.

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I cannot give my noble friend a precise figure, but there are very few left. My understanding is that most of those remaining relate to problems other than those she describes, such as those in connection with probate or other such personal changes that might affect them. However, the agency is certainly doing what it can to clear the small remaining backlog.

Agriculture: Farm Animal Disease

Debate between Baroness Byford and Lord Henley

Tuesday 6th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Byford]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to meet the costs of any future outbreak of farm animal disease.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley)]

My Lords, we gave an undertaking in the coalition agreement to investigate ways to share with livestock keepers the responsibility for preparing for and dealing with outbreaks of disease. We will take stock of the recommendations of the independently chaired responsibility and cost sharing advisory group before bringing forward our proposals.

[Baroness Byford]

I thank the Minister for his response. Will the group take into account those farmers who already have good biosecurity measures in place? Will the Government put in much stronger measures to ensure that the illegal importation of bush meat and other meats is ended?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, the group is independent and will consider all matters. As a result of that, as my noble friend will be aware, it will certainly consider the point that she has made.