I am aware that a large number of applications under the 1990 special beef premium scheme would have had to be rejected but for the flexible approach which at my request the EC Commission adopted for that year in the interpretation of the relevant regulations.
This concession was granted in recognition of the fact that there might have been some confusion among applicants, given that 1990 was the first year in which 100 per cent on-farm inspections were not carried out. The Commission was, however, adament that the conditions of the regulations must be strictly fulfilled by all applicants from 1991 on.
A warning to this effect was conveyed to all applicants with the 1991 application form but, despite this, some applicants seem to have repeated the mistakes of 1990. It is too early yet to say how widespread the problem is but I am keeping the situation under constant review.
I have asked the EC Commission to review the rules of this scheme.