SUSPENSION OF RURAL PRIORITIES SCHEME WILL ONLY INTENSIFY ANGER

6.07.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Apr 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today commented on the Scottish Government's decision to suspend the next round of applications to the Rural Priorities Scheme.

Jim Hume said:

"It has been clear for some time that the Scottish Government's grip on the Rural Priorities scheme has been loose, at best. The decision by the Cabinet Secretary to suspend the next round of applications simply confirms that he has little idea how to address the problems.

"By slipping the news out via the government's website, Mr Lochhead hoped to avoid drawing attention to his failure. For the many farmers in the South of Scotland who have already invested time and money in preparing proposals, this will only serve to intensify their anger."

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