SINGLE FARM PAYMENTS

Early day motion 572, tabled 12 July 2005 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 19 members.

That this House welcomes progress achieved so far towards reform of the Common Agricultural Policy; notes that British farmers are amongst those who have adapted best to the changes they have been asked to make; but notes with concern that the implementation by the Rural Payments Agency of the new Single Farm Payment scheme will cause significant additional hardship to farmers because of expected delays in payments to eligible farmers; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to intervene to ensure satisfactory interim advance payment is made to farmers in this calendar year in order to avert unnecessary hardship.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 2.