§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much will be spent or has been spent in each year from 1990–91 to 1995–96 on(a) stage 1 ESAs, (b) stage 2 ESAs, (c) stage 3 ESAs and (d) stage 4 ESAs, identifying how much of the total is allocated for the public access payments; what is the amount to be spent on (i) nitrate sensitive areas, (ii) the moorland scheme, (iii) the habitat improvement scheme, (iv) set aside management, identifying how much of the total will be for public access payments and (v) organic farming in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThe information is as follows: Expenditure on ESA payments to farmers in Welsh ESAs was £0.9 million in 1990–91, £1.5 million in 1991–92 and £1.5 million in 1992–93.
Planned expenditure is £5.8 million in 1993–94, £7.6 million in 1994–95 and £7.8 million in 1995–96.
Public consultation proposals have been issued for public access to ESA land. Planned expenditure is £0.51 million in 1994–95 and £0.52 million in 1995–96. In addition to this expenditure on ESAs, we have also issued for public consultation proposals for a moorland scheme, a habitat improvement scheme, a meadowland scheme for public access to set-aside land and an organic scheme. Current plans for expenditure on payments to farmers under these new measures is £0.5 million in 1993–94, £2.4 million in 1994–95 and £4.8 million in 1995–96. The precise allocation between the schemes will be decided in the light of the results of the public consultation. I have no plans to designate any nitrate sensitive areas (NSAs) in Wales.