HL Deb 19 June 1989 vol 509 c118WA
Baroness Gardner of Parkes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will announce their proposals for the implementation of the Community extensification scheme.

Baroness Trumpington

My right honourable friends are today issuing to interested organisations for comment a document containing ideas for pilot extensification schemes for beef and sheep which we are obliged to introduce this year under the terms of Community legislation. The concept of extensification, essentially securing lower output from the same land area, has some attractions in principle but it is extremely difficult to apply in a manner which ensures effective control and value for money for the taxpayer, particularly in the livestock sector, to which, under the Community legislation, we are required to accord priority. The Government therefore consider it essential to try out extensification initially on a limited pilot basis in order to determine how, and indeed whether, extensification can best be introduced without undue cost and complexity of administration and monitoring.

I am placing copies of the consultation document in the Library. Before reaching final decisions on the nature of the pilot schemes, the Government will take account of comments, which should reach agricultural departments by 25th August.