To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to streamline the delivery of Pillar 2 monies under the Common Agricultural Policy. (206296)

In England, Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy (Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013) is delivered by Natural England, the Regional Development Agencies, the Forestry Commission and the Rural Payments Agency. The new programme was approved by the European Commission in December 2007. At present, there are no immediate plans for changing the delivery arrangements, but DEFRA and the delivery bodies will continue to work together to improve the efficiency and value for money of these arrangements wherever possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress the Rural Payments Agency is making towards its targets of (a) making 96.14 per cent. of payments under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) by 30 June 2008 and (b) making 90 per cent. of the total value of payments for the 2007 SPS by the end of May 2008; and if he will make a statement. (206874)

As at 19 May 2008 the total value of payments made under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) is £1.295 billion, which is 89.3 per cent. of the estimated total fund of £1.45 billion.

The Rural Payments Agency continues to work towards meeting its 2007 SPS targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Rural Payments Agency on recent trends in the rates of payments under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. (206875)

When the Chief Executive of the Rural Payments Agency met with my noble Friend, Lord Rooker and industry stakeholders on 6 May 2008 he explained the steps that were being taken to ensure progress on the 2007 Single Payment Scheme in line with the agency’s target to make 90 per cent. of payments by value by the end of May.

As at 19 May 2008, payments totalled £1.295 billion, which is 89.3 per cent. of the estimated total fund of £1.45 billion.