§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received seeking the extension of the 60 per cent. grant for farm effluent control and disposal to lowland areas not in less-favoured areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI received some representations from the Farmers Unions, the County Landowners' Association and the Scottish Landowners' Federation during last year's annual review discussions about the need to increase grants for effluent facilities outside the less favoured areas.
Grants for effluent facilities, which are kept under regular review, are now at the highest level available under the agriculture improvement scheme.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of grants and amounts paid under the agriculture improvement scheme for effluent disposal systems since 1985.
§ Mr. GummerEstimated expenditure on effluent handling facilities in the United Kingdom in 1986 was £7.7 million and 1987 £14.2 million. I regret that a detailed breakdown of this expenditure on the lines requested is not yet available.