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21 Nov 2002 : Column 296W—continued
Rural Payments Agency
Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding has been allocated to the Rural Payments Agency in each of the last five years. [82203]
Alun Michael: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) was established on 16 October 2001 as a single EU paying agency, combining the functions previously undertaken by the Intervention Board and the Defra paying agencies. RPA's published accounts for 2001–02 (HC 1197) give details of the funding allocated to the Agency in that financial year and for 2000–01 on a comparative basis. Combined figures for prior years covering the activities now administered by RPA have not been produced. RPA's budget for 2002–03 is shown in the table below.
RPA is partway through a #130 million restructuring programme that will deliver a step change in customer service when completed in 2005. These funds are ring fenced and are allocated separately, over and above the amounts quoted.
| 2002–03 | |
|---|---|
| DEL administration | 111,140 |
| DEL programme | 257,314 |
| AME | 1,933,988 |
| Local authorities | 6,495 |
| Payments to DGD's | 695,440 |
| EU receipts | -2,396,824 |
| Net total | 607,553 |
21 Nov 2002 : Column 297W
TB Reactor Cattle
Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the estimated cost is of maintenance of TB reactor cattle per day while awaiting slaughter; and if that cost is met by her Department. [81569]
Mr. Morley: Information on the cost of maintaining TB reactor cattle awaiting slaughter is not held by Defra.
Government pays compensation for cattle compulsorily slaughtered under TB control measures but does not pay for the maintenance of animals awaiting removal from farm.
21 Nov 2002 : Column 298W
Veterinary Practices
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary practices and surgeries are (a) registered and (b) not registered with the RCVS in the UK. [81155]
Mr. Morley: (a) There are 3,539 veterinary practices and practice branches listed in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons XDirectory of Practices". In addition, the College holds details of 74 charity veterinary clinics/hospitals who are not listed in their directory, giving a total of 3,613.