HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc420-1
11. Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the Agricultural and Horticultural Grant Regulations 1980 provision that farmers and growers in a conservation area must apply to the conservation body before starting work on improvements.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In February of this year we issued consultation documents setting out our proposals for changes in the administration of farm capital grants, including the arrangements for environmentally sensitive and conservation areas. We received comments from 33 organisations. As a result of those comments and discussion with farmers' unions and conservation and other bodies, we made some changes to the procedures for the areas in question.

Mr. Stewart

I thank the Minister for that reply. Will he bear in mind the concern that the conservation end of the balance, with which there is general agreement, should not be overweighted to the extent that development would be inhibited?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In relation to these areas, the obligation is on the farmer to consult the responsible statutory bodies. All that is put at risk if he does not consult is his eligibility for grant. I hope that that is a risk which will encourage responsibility all round and, again, a proper balance.

Mr. Chapman

Will my hon. Friend confirm that, generally speaking, farm buildings do not require any planning permissions whatsoever? With the development of modern agriculture causing much greater farm developments, such as large-scale silos, is it not absolutely imperative, certainly from the point of view of those who care about conserving the countryside, that these advisory committees should be strengthened if farm buildings are not to be brought into the development control system?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In agriculture generally, very considerable responsibility towards these wider areas is shown by the farming community. I agree with my hon. Friend, though, that this is something which must be watched. It is something that is frequently discussed between my Department and the Department of the Environment.

Mr. John Wells

Will my hon. Friend confirm or deny that these regulations will apply to fairly temporary horticultural structures, such as polythene tunnels, which will not cause a permanent change to the view but will possibly cause temporary change?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

If these are technically described as buildings and are in any of these conservation areas and people are applying for grants, the conditions which I have described apply.