asked the Minister for Agriculture when the 25 per cent increase under the budgetary provisions will be paid to farmers who sold their land to the Land Commission under the EEC farm retirement scheme and who are at present in receipt of pensions; if he will renegotiate this scheme with the EEC with a view to having the pensions index-linked; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
470.
The annuities payable under the farmers' retirement scheme have been increased with effect from 1 May 1982 to £2,016 for a married person and £1,344 in the case of a single or widowed person. Arrangements are being made to pay out these increased rates as soon as possible. The regulations under the scheme provide that the annuity may be increased from time to time as may be necessary to take account of any increase in the consumer price index and the rates have been reviewed and increased each year since 1976.