The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure— exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation EC No. 1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the committee made a recommendation and a letter issued to the person on 30 March 2005. The findings of the committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld. I am arranging for my officials to re-examine this case and my Department will contact the person regarding the outcome of the review.