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Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Answer

Mr. Breed: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the length of the IACS form filled in by farmers; and if he will make a statement. [140405] Ms Quin: The report of the IACS and Inspections Red Tape Working Group found that: In general the (IACS) forms and guidance notes (issued in other member states) are of a similar level of complexity . . . with the exception of the Republic of Ireland. The Government have listened to industry concerns about the volume of red tape which farmers have to face, and we are taking steps to review the IACS forms and guidance, in the light of the Group's recommendations about the readability, familiarity and appearance of the IACS scheme literature, so as to achieve not only simpler English and clearer communication, but also a common format with other MAFF documentation. Consultation with industry during the drafting stages remains a key feature. From 2001, we plan to make it possible for all farmers submitting claims in England to complete and submit the IACS form electronically. These `intelligent' forms will both save time for farmers, and also lessen the possibility of making inadvertent errors, since inconsistencies will be highlighted and totals calculated automatically.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

357 c878W; 140405

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Agriculture Bureaucracy Forms Farmers Subsidies Integrated administration and control system

Link

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