Question
What proportion of suckler cow premium payments in Wales for the current year had been paid by 1st January 1997.
Answer
Mr. Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of suckler cow premium payments in Wales for the current year had been paid by 1 January 1997. [13938] Mr. Jonathan Evans: Around 53 per cent. of 1996 eligible suckler cow premium claims had been paid an advance as at 1 January 1997. By now this figure has increased to 66 per cent. The Department aim, set out in the charter for farmers in Wales is to complete advance suckler cow premium payments by 5 March 1997.