Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 February 2002. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 February 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proposals she has for the provision of free farm business and environmental assessment advice by her Department on Common Agricultural Policy support for individual farms; what plans she has to increase environmental and rural development scheme funding via the redirection of CAP subsidy payments; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has for the provision of free farm business and environmental assessment advice by her Department on Common Agricultural Policy support for individual farms; what plans she has to increase environmental and rural development scheme funding via the redirection of CAP subsidy payments; and if she will make a statement. [33382] Alun Michael: The report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food has made recommendations both on the provision of free farm business and environmental assessment advice and increasing funding for agri-environment schemes by increasing the rate of modulation of CAP subsidy payments. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said when the report was launched on Tuesday 29 January, the Government will publish their strategy for sustainable farming, in response to the report, in the summer.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 33382; 379 c993W;379 c989W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Agriculture Business Advisory services Environment protection Environmental impact assessment EU grants and loans Sustainable development Subsidies Common agricultural policy Agri-environment action plan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk