SINGLE FARM PAYMENT IN SEVERELY DISADVANTAGED AREAS

Early day motion 805, tabled 10 March 2004 by Baroness May of Maidenhead (Conservative). Signed by 45 members.

That this House supports the principle of decoupling of farm subsidies from production and the move to a single farm payment; notes that the Government's decision to adopt a phased introduction of area payments in England contrasts with the historic method of allocation in Wales and Scotland and will lead to enormous disparity in support payments for similar farms; is concerned that the additional introduction of a lower rate payment in severely disadvantaged areas in England will lead to a catastrophic cut in support payments for many hill farmers which could result in the loss of up to 5,000 livestock farms; and calls on the government to reconsider its proposals for payments in severely disadvantaged areas in order to maintain a viable livestock industry.

Signatures by party: Conservative 43, Independent Conservative 2.