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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what inspection regime she has put in place for cross- compliance; and if she will make a statement. [218467] Alun Michael: In considering possible options for the enforcement of cross-compliance, Defra's key concern has been to develop a flexible, cost-effective and proportionate enforcement apparatus which supports the Department's policy objectives as set out in the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food, based on the sustainable development of the industry, including taking account of the competitive position of agriculture in England compared with other UK and European farmers. After careful consideration and close consultation with the relevant enforcement bodies and stakeholders, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, has charged the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) with overall responsibility to ensure cross compliance enforcement meets the Commission's minimum requirements in 2005, provides appropriate coordination of inspections and acts a single point of contact for all cross- compliance related farmer inquiries. The RPA will discharge this responsibility working in partnership with the various specialist enforcement bodies, such as the Environment Agency, who will be formally delegated to carry out inspections within their respective areas as required.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1667-8W;431 c1663-4W; 218467

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Agriculture Inspections Enforcement Environment protection Subsidies Common agricultural policy

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk