To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2006, Official Report, column 306W, on the Rural Payments Agency, how much Johnston McNeill has been paid since he took leave of absence. (107364)

Johnston McNeill’s employment was terminated on 1 December 2006. The cost of employing Mr. McNeill since his removal from office on 16 March 2006 to 1 December 2006 is £81,410.55 in basic salary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the former chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency remains on his Department’s payroll; and if he will make a statement. (108940)

The employment of the former chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency was terminated on 1 December 2006.