To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of Suckler Cow Premium Scheme payments had been made by the Rural Payments Agency for 2001–02 claims. [115312]

As of 20 May 2003, balance payments under the 2001 Suckler Cow Premium Scheme have been made on over 97 per cent. of claims. Remaining claims have either been rejected or are being considered under Category 5 of the 2001 Bovine penalty review. Under the 2002 scheme, advance payments have been issued on over 80 per cent. of claims.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects the Countryside Agency's rural policy report to be published. [115183]

I understand that the Countryside Agency will publish its annual rural proofing report on 3 June.