SINGLE FARM PAYMENT (No. 2)

That this House notes the difficulties being experienced by farmers in receiving payments under the single farm payment scheme; expresses further concern at the statement made by the Rural Payments Agency which said there would be little improvement in its performance; recognises that many farmers are facing financial difficulties and are being placed at a competitive disadvantage; and calls on the Government to ensure that all farmers who are still awaiting payments are issued 80 per cent. of their entitlement in a part payment by Christmas 2006.