HC Deb 05 May 1988 vol 132 c1009
14. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to publish further details of his proposals for an extensification scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Following the decisions of the European Council in February, the Agriculture Council has now agreed separate schemes for set-aside and for extensification. The Commission has recently adopted the detailed rules for set-aside. An announcement will be made as soon as possible on the detailed arrangements to apply in the United Kingdom. Introduction of a scheme for extensification will depend on further Commission rules, which have yet to be proposed.

Mr. Haynes

There are proposals about the production of food, and whether too much or too little is being produced, but what about the protection of wildlife? We want protection for the birds, the bees, the weasels, the squirrels and the rabbits, and if we do not get it, the Minister will be looking for protection.

Mr. Gummer

I know how close the protection of rabbits and weasels is to the heart of the hon. Gentleman, and I am sure he will be pleased to know that in the environmentally sensitive areas we have taken a number of opportunities to find ways in which this protection can be extended, not least with the strip system, which is being used in Breckland. Great care will be taken to ensure that the set-aside scheme is environmentally satisfactory. The hon. Gentleman will also understand that since the passing of the Agriculture Act 1986 the Ministry has had a duty to take into account the environmental impact of its decisions.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

In coming to a decision on whether, under the set-aside scheme, farmers should leave their land fallow or be allowed to use it for grazing, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the grave concern among farmers in Pembrokeshire and in west Wales that they will be put at a grave disadvantage if farmers receiving grants can then use the land for stock grazing and undercut prices?

Mr. Gummer

I assure my hon. Friend that we are taking closely into account the representations that we have received in deciding how the scheme should apply to the United Kingdom. It is obviously of great concern for those who can do little other than use their land for grazing if others who have a range of opportunities are encouraged by support to move into grazing of livestock. On the other hand, the opportunity for grazing fallow is there, and we shall have to consider it most carefully.