Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the need to support farmers in Wales after Brexit. The funding levels are critical to ensure continued support.
What steps his Department is taking to support the Welsh agricultural sector. I am concerned about the stability and future of Welsh agriculture post-Brexit.
The Government are steadfast in their support for Welsh agriculture, providing £337 million a year in 2021-22 as they received in 2019, meeting our manifesto commitment to guarantee the annual budget for farmers. This applies for the whole of this Parliament.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the disparity in agricultural payments between English and Welsh farmers due to area payments for Welsh farmers continuing while basic payment scheme payments for English farmers will be halved by 2024.
How can my hon. Friend ensure that farmers in my Eddisbury constituency will compete with Welsh farmers who continue to receive their area payments, whereas all English farmers see their payments halved by 2024?
As a Government committed to the devolved settlement, we will not dictate how devolved Governments use their funds. The UK Internal Market Bill aims to ensure fair competition across the UK by preventing one part from unfairly competing with another due to differing support levels.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific measures to level playing field for English farmers
Proposed Uk Internal Market Bill Instead Of Addressing Competitiveness Issues
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question stems from the high dependency of Scottish border regions on common agricultural policy payments post-Brexit and the need to maintain this support.
How will the Government support the devolved Administrations with these payments in the future? My constituency is the second-highest recipient of common agricultural policy payments, four of top five recipients are in devolved administrations.
We have used the most generous exchange rate to calculate agricultural payments, preventing a 10% cut as brought about by the EU. The UK Government provides £1.3 billion of additional funding to the Welsh Government for agriculture use.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific measures for Scottish border regions
Provided Details For Wales Instead Of Scottish Regions
Response accuracy