Programmes approved by the European Commission under the accompanying measures of CAP reform 1992 including the REP scheme will end on 31 December 1999. My Department will be unable to approve applications after that date. I have taken special measures to ensure that valid applications submitted by 30 November can be pro cessed and approved before the end of the present scheme.
A new agri-environmental scheme is being drawn up in a rural development plan to be submitted to the European Commission before the end of December 1999 under the terms of the new Council Regulation on Support for Rural Development. While closely modelled on the existing scheme, the proposals include provisions for certain enhancements. The new agri-environmental scheme cannot be operational until the plan has been approved by the Commission. My objective will be to secure the earliest agreement of the Commission so that the new scheme can be in place at the earliest date in 2000.