Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme

HC Deb 25 May 1995 vol 260 cc689-90W

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what expenditure has been saved as a result of the ending of the farm and conservation grant scheme; and if that saving has been redirected to other areas of MAFF expenditure. [25744]

Mr. Jack

No decision has yet been made to discontinue the farm and conservation grant scheme. An official working group reviewing the development of environmental land management schemes in England has proposed that the F and CGS should not continue as a separate scheme in England after February 1996, but that capital grants for conservation purposes should then be integrated into the countryside stewardship scheme. The working group's proposals were published for public consultation on 18 May. Current expenditure on conservation grants under the F and CGS in England amounts to £4 million in a full year.