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Roger Williams MP |
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WILLIAMS CRITICISES GOVERNMENT FOR INCURRING SINGLE FARM PAYMENT FINE
March 18, 2010 9:26 AM
Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has criticised the government following reports that the UK has been forced to pay £15.9m to the European Commission for failing to meet Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requirements.
Roger Williams said:
"Yet again the UK Government has to pay back money, money which is vital to farmers in the current economic climate, to the European Commission.
"This is an absolutely staggering situation and, while it is not particularly surprising given the Government's past record in this area, it is hard to accept that this is happening again.
"The Liberal Democrats have identified potential savings of £16m from the Single Farm Payment by introducing a deminimus payment of £300, which would lead to a total saving of £22m.
"This money could then be directed towards apprenticeship skills to ensure that future generations have the necessary skills to ensure they are able to continue the food production necessary to feed Britain in the years to come.
"The further loss of £15.9m from this fund is yet another blow to British farmers and just goes to show that this Government has still not got to grips with the issues."
NOTES:
Further details of the repayment can be found here: http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/uk-fined-%C2%A3159m-for-cap-failures/30929.article
The Liberal Democrats propose introducing a deminimus payment of £300. This will make a direct saving of £3 million. This would result in the RPA having to process 10,898 fewer claims, saving a further £19 million.
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