To ask the Scottish Executive why there is only one closing date for applications to the Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities scheme.

The Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities Scheme is constantly open to new applications. There are no closing dates for applications.

It is currently intended to hold at least three assessment rounds per year for this scheme. Two assessment rounds have already been held this year (in August and October) with a further two rounds scheduled for December 2008 and February 2009.

Prior to each assessment round, all of the project proposals which are ready for assessment on a specific date are collated and the relevant information circulated to the members of the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees to enable them to consider these projects for funding. Where projects are not ready for assessment on the date the information is collated, they are simply rolled forward to the next assessment round.

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of closing dates per annum for applications to the Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities scheme.

The Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities Scheme is constantly open to new applications. There are no closing dates for applications.

It is currently intended to hold at least three assessment rounds per year for this scheme. Two assessment rounds have already been held this year (in August and October) with a further two rounds scheduled for December 2008 and February 2009.

Prior to each assessment round, all of the project proposals which are ready for assessment on a specific date are collated and the relevant information circulated to the members of the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees to enable them to consider these projects for funding. Where projects are not ready for assessment on the date the information is collated, they are simply rolled forward to the next assessment round.

The number of assessment rounds in any one year will be reviewed in response to the number of project proposals coming forward for consideration.

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Rural Development Plan provides adequate and effective support for the agricultural industry.

The Scotland Rural Development Programme was designed in consultation with stakeholders and is monitored continuously by a programme monitoring committee. The Scottish Government has already in 2008 submitted to the European Commission modifications to the programme to improve its effectiveness. We will have the opportunity in 2009 to submit further modifications, for which we will take account of a review of the programme which we expect to undertake early next year.