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Quins cryptic remarks hint at aid

- 28 January 2000
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28 January 2000



Quin’s cryptic remarks hint at aid


CRYPTIC remarks by a minister at a conference have raised hopes of agrimoney payments to compensate for the strength of Sterling, it has been claimed.

Joyce Quin, junior farms minister, told a Meat & Livestock Commission conference in London: “I have no announcement to make today on agri-monetary payments and how we might access them in the coming months.

Her statement is interpreted by The Herald as indicating that the government would make an announcement in the future and very possibly at the National Farmers Union annual general meeting next week.

However, other observers believe other comments by Ms Quins indicated that payments are unlikely.

She told the conference that payments were subject to government spending priorities and would not benefit the unsubsidised pig industry, indicate.

While 362 million agrimoney is available, the British government would have to pay 225m, with the EU providing the balance.

Agriculture minister Nick Brown is making a speech at the NFU AGM and rumours are rife that the Prime Minister Tony Blair will make a surprise appearance.

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