Farm Budgets 2024-25 Scotland 2023-12-19
2023-12-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about recent discussions regarding farm budgets, specifically concerning the allocation of funds to Scottish farmers.
What recent discussions has he had with his Scottish counterpart on farm budgets for the financial year 2024-25?
The Government guarantee to maintain a £2.4 billion annual budget for farmers across the UK for every year of this Parliament. As agriculture is devolved, it is ultimately for the Scottish Government to decide how to allocate that money to farming in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the frustration among many farmers in Scotland due to deferred funding meant for supporting Scottish agriculture.
What will she do in future to ensure that where money is given for the express purpose of supporting Scottish agriculture, it is in fact used for that purpose?
The SNP Government are yet to clarify when this ringfenced money will be returned. I hope they will do so this afternoon at the Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
How she will ensure future compliance with intended use of funds
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP echoed the Christmas wishes to House staff and commented on English farmers being worse off in cash terms due to UK Government's attempt to overhaul the EU subsidy scheme.
Can the Minister guarantee that the UK Government will not try to undermine their payments and devolution by back-door use of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020?
I note that the hon. Member did not answer my question, nor that of the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) about when the ringfenced money will be returned.
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Assessment & feedback
Did Not Answer The Specific Ask
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about lack of clarity from UK Government on future plans post-2025 compared to EU farming subsidies.
Can the Minister apologise for that situation and guarantee that in the early months of next year we will have clarity on farming payments?
The UK Government have laid out plans for the agriculture transition in England that go beyond the current spending review, giving farmers increased certainty over policy and spending intent for years to come. The Scottish Government could decide to provide farmers in Scotland with similar certainty if they chose to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
How she will ensure clarity on payments after 2025 for Scottish farmers
Response accuracy