§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now give details of the effects of the recently announced increases in hill livestock compensatory allowances, for eligible sheep and cattle, paid to farmers in the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.
§ Mr. RifkindI have made a scheme under the powers contained in section 4 of the Congested Districts Act 1987 which will increase the HLCA supplement on hill sheep within the HIDB area in line with those awarded in the less-favoured areas generally. The new rate of HLCA supplement will be raised to 64p. The rate for cows maintained on C grade farms within the HIDB area is increased by £1.18 to £70.36 to take account of recent devaluations in the green pound. The increases will apply from 1 January 1990 and their cost will be covered by the provisions already made for such supplements within the vote for agricultural support in Scotland (class XVI, vote 1).