I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.
GLAS participants who undertake the Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) action have the option of carrying out the spreading themselves or employing a contractor. The Department does not keep a register of contractors who provide this service to GLAS participants. GLAS payments for this action are made in full to the farmer as required by the governing regulations and where a contractor is used, the contract is a private matter between the farmer and contractor.
Participants must submit an annual declaration form and declare the spreading method used and volumes spread on the holding on an annual basis. No payments are calculated on the basis of invoices received from service providers.