Agrimonetary Compensation

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Treasury – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 8 November 2001.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Ruth Kelly Ruth Kelly Economic Secretary, HM Treasury 11:30, 8 November 2001

We clearly understand the difficulties that the farming sector faces. This Government have drawn down agrimonetary compensation, in contrast to the Opposition, who never drew down a penny of it. However, in the current climate, the case for agrimonetary compensation must be well made and it is better to pursue a targeted approach which encourages the sector to develop in a way that will help it to progress.

We are achieving that through the England rural development plan, under which support is given for rural development and agri-environment schemes, and by continuing our efforts in Europe to reform the common agricultural policy. That is the right way forward for the industry, rather than putting more money into a quick fix or help for the agriculture sector.