§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the intentions both of the 288W European Economic Community and of his Department in regard to payment of compensation to farmers constrained by environmental regulations under Article 3(5); if the need for conservation in designated areas is regarded as a reasonable objective within the spirit or meaning of this clause; and if the need to maintain traditional agricultural practices in certain areas in the interest of nature conservation could be covered in the application of policies introduced to meet the intentions of that Article.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI cannot answer for the European Community.
The Government have already indicated that they intend to keep under review the application of directive 75/268, including the case for considering the designation of certain small areas under Article 3(5) of the directive.