Will the Minister provide assurances that the rural development programme funds for this financial year will be spent in full, that no funding will be sent back, and that current underspend will be used on projects identified in conjunction with the agricultural community?
I endeavour to ensure the funding available for both rural investment schemes and the EU Rural Development Programme are fully spent. The EU programme is over-committed and we expect projects to deliver against their objectives within the timeframes agreed in line with the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 N+3 rules and timeframe. I have announced £227m worth of rural investment schemes and I am currently considering advice from officials regarding the further use of funding this financial year.