§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether all current recipients of hill and upland sheep and cattle subsidies will qualify after 1st January next; if there will be a qualifying acreage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RossIt is estimated that 230 Scottish farmers who occupy less than three hectares—7.41 acres—of eligible land will not qualify for the compensatory allowances which will replace the subsidies previously payable under the Hill Cattle and Hill and Upland Sheep Subsidy Schemes. We propose, however, to make special payments for two years to the farmers concerned, and details will be announced shortly.