Question
Whether they will extend the deadline of 15 May 2006 for the completion of the 2006 single farm payments.
Answer
The 15 May 2006 deadline for submitting applications under the 2006 single payment scheme is fixed in EU legislation and is not a matter for national discretion. However, as my right honourable friend the Secretary of State explained in his Written Statement in the other place on 9 May (Official Report, col. 10WS), farmers have been advised that the normal ““late claim”” penalties will not apply to applications received between 16 and 31 May 2006.