Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press release entitled First farmers receive Sustainable Farming Incentive early payment, published 18 October 2023, how many and what proportion of Sustainable Farming Incentive (a) 2023 and (b) 2024 applicants have received their first payment as of 19 October 2023.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.