§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress towards the implementation of agricultural measures under Highlands and Islands objective 1 status, following his Department's consultation process which ended on 31 May; if he will indicate the number and range of responses received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe Department received 17 responses earlier this year to its consultation paper on the proposed Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme from local authorities, agricultural and wildlife organisations, and a range of other public and private bodies. Most of the responses broadly welcomed the proposals. The Highlands and Islands agricultural programme, modified in the light of comments received and discussions with the European Commission, was approved for European Community funding on 29 July. The approved programme has three elements: the agricultural business improvement scheme, which is expected to open for applications towards the end of December; the crofting township development scheme, which should start next January; and the marketing scheme, which should come into operation next spring.