§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will extend the hill livestock compensatory allowances and sheep annual premium payments to include cashmere goats; [26685]
(2) what is his policy in respect of subsidised cashmere production in less favoured areas of Scotland. [26686]
§ Mr. LangThe Government are keen to encourage the development of alternative land uses such as cashmere goat production where they can be shown to have a profitable future without a continuing dependence on subsidy. It is therefore not the Government's policy to seek to extend the coverage of livestock subsidies to include cashmere goats.