Amendment
2.—(1) The Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment and Support Schemes (Cross-compliance) (England) Regulations 2005(1) are amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph 3(2) of the Schedule, substitute—
“(2) The Secretary of State may, in writing, exempt a farmer from any of the requirements in sub-paragraph (1) if he considers it necessary because an area is affected by exceptional weather conditions.
(2A) The exemption may—
(a)apply in relation to a case or classes of case;
(b)apply in relation to such area of England as the Secretary of State considers necessary; and
(c)be subject to conditions.
(2B) The Secretary of State may only give an exemption if he has first considered—
(a)the economic impact of the weather conditions;
(b)the environmental effects of the exemption; and
(c)in light of these considerations, for what period the exemption should reasonably apply.”
(3) For paragraph 3(3) of the Schedule, substitute—
“(3) The Secretary of State must, in an exemption under this paragraph—
(a)explain why he has given it;
(b)set out the case or classes of case in relation to which it applies;
(c)specify the area in relation to which it applies;
(d)set out its scope and any conditions to which it is subject; and
(e)state its duration.
(3A) The Secretary of State must publicize an exemption given under this paragraph and may do so in such manner as he thinks fit.”.