Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): I declare an interest in the single farm payment. The Secretary of State has given us updated figures today on the welcome progress that the RPA is finally achieving in making payments and part-payments. He has talked about those who have received nothing so far, but he has not mentioned the issue that the NFU is talking to me about: those who have received excess payments. I was told as recently as Tuesday of a farmer who was expecting to receive a cheque for £35,000, but who instead received one for £2.1 million. One can imagine his surprise and pleasure on opening his mail that day. Given this shambles, will the Secretary of State please update the House on the penalty regime? I know that the deadline has been extended and that farmers are now expected to get in next year's application forms by 31 May, but will the Secretary of State please extend it further until the shambles has been sorted out?
David Miliband: At the meeting that I had yesterday, it was reported that, of the 63,000 claims that have been made, 19 have been overpaid.
