Would the hon. Lady rather give powers to the Secretary of State to complicate legislation or make it worse?

As a member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, I can say that this is not just a problem in agriculture.

Of course, in the past when payments have been delayed, fines have been payable to the European Commission.

I want to raise one point with the Minister, which I hope he will be able to cover.

It is particularly difficult, because as I am down here doing this job, my wife is minding the farm, although I am the one who signs the

It strikes me as well, of course, that the farmer could take the payment but then his wife could establish a new business, in which case

rose—

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that many farmers have already entered into multi-annual environmental schemes.

On the point the Minister raised regarding the farmer who might want to retire and take three years’ payments, one question we tried to e