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Department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Mark Durkan

Main Page: Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Foyle)

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Oral Answers to Questions

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Business of the House
Thursday 3rd February 2011

(13 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Paice Portrait Mr Paice
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I admire my hon. Friend’s doggedness in pursuing this subject, and she is right to do so. I congratulate Ealing on applying to take part in the pilot scheme and we welcome its interest, but no final decisions have been taken.

Mark Durkan Portrait Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)
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The Secretary of State earlier used warm tones in promising future positive engagement with the devolved Administrations on the future of the CAP. Will that engagement be on the basis of DEFRA continuing to ignore the deeply held views of the devolved Administrations on the future of pillar one?

Caroline Spelman Portrait Mrs Spelman
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We have been proactive in our engagement with all the devolved Administrations, and recognise the importance of direct payments to farmers. It is that assurance that the devolved Administrations are seeking, and I confirm that Ministers understand the challenges of farming in less favoured areas and will defend those interests.

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