HC Deb 25 June 1981 vol 7 cc372-3
12. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost of aids to less favoured areas in England in 1981–82.

Mr. Peter Walker

The Supply Estimates 1981–82 provide £10,000 for forage groups and £14,922,000 for livestock allowances in less favoured areas in England, but the rates of livestock allowances for January 1982 will be reviewed this autumn.

Mr. Winterton

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that marginal land could make a major contribution to increased farm productivity? Is he aware that there is considerable disquiet at the possible closure of the Great House experimental husbandry farm at Helmshore in Rossendale, Lancashire? That farm is a valuable aid to farm development in the North-West, especially to grassland management, which is useful for stock production. Will he consider this issue seriously?

Mr. Walker

No decision has been taken on the Great House farm. The Government and my Department review the manner in which we use our available resources for research and development. I can assure my hon. Friend that whatever decisions are taken will be in the best interests of farming and of ensuring that the quality of advice that is given to hill farmers and marginal land farmers continues at the high level that they have enjoyed in the past.

Mr. Spriggs

When the right hon. Gentleman takes over the Presidency will he investigate why the fishing vessel owners of Fleetwood can no longer send their vessels to sea because when they land their fish they make a severe loss? How do the losses affect the wages of the deck hands who work on the fishing vessels?

Mr. Walker

We have had many talks with the Fleetwood owners, who benefited very much from the aid that we announced recently. Over the past year that aid has been more substantial than the aid given in recent years. I am aware of the importance of Fleetwood. We shall keep in close contact with all those whose occupations are concerned with the fishing industry at Fleetwood.

Sir Marcus Kimball

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is now a growing body of opinion in the countryside that these payments should be linked to acreage rather than headage?

Mr. Walker

There is always a dispute over the manner in which an allowance should be paid. However, to proceed on an acreage basis would create considerable perversions. Aid would be poured into areas where the yields and results would be extremely limited. I think that the majority agree with the current principle.

Mr. Strang

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is a strong case for creating an additional zone of assistance for marginal farmers over and above that of the less favoured areas? As it is two years since the Government inherited the previous Labour Government's study of the problems in marginal farming areas, will he say when the Government will make a policy statement?

Mr. Walker

I am shocked by the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. No survey was undertaken of marginal land by the previous Labour Government. Had I proceeded along the lines that were being followed by that Government, it would have taken four years to complete such a survey. I am glad to say that we have speeded up the process and that the survey will be completed by the autumn.