§ 21. Mr. Livseyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of hill farming; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe state of hill farming is considered every year in the context of the autumn review of economic conditions in the hills and uplands. As a result of last year's review, hill livestock compensatory amounts were increased by an average of 11 per cent. This was in addition to the special help, including exceptional weather aid payments, offered to farmers in many hill areas most adversely affected by last year's bad weather. Higher rates of capital grant and grants for on-farm diversification are also available in the less-favoured areas to compensate for the special hardship which farmers face there.
§ Mr. LivseyWill the Minister comment on the fact that some farmers in upland areas are on family income supplement, which is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs? What will the Government do about it?
§ Mrs. FennerAs my right hon. Friend pointed out, last year some payments were made in advance to help with that. The 11 per cent. increase above the amount which was paid out in 1985 will have benefited some 60,000 to 65,000 producers.