A large volume of applications has already been received under this scheme and initial processing of these is taking place at present. All applications received will be acknowledged in the near future. I have decided to extend the closing date for the scheme until 15 March 2002, to allow remaining applicants additional time to assemble and forward the necessary documentation. My Department will not be in a position to confirm whether individual applications are acceptable until a full assessment of the accompanying documentation has been conducted. The assessment of all of these applications will involve a considerable amount of work and I am unable to say at this point when that work will be completed and when allocations will be announced. My Department will, of course, endeavour to have the applications processed as quickly as possible. Allocations made under this scheme will be effective from 1 April 2002, the start of the next milk quota year.