§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on overgrazing; if he will place a copy of all representations in the Library; and what is his assessment of the impact of overgrazing on Wales' wildlife. [2931]
§ Mr. HagueI have received a number of complaints about specific instances of overgrazing, which we are investigating, as well as representations about the issue generally. I will place copies of the general 597W representations in the Library, subject to the permission of the organisations concerned. Overgrazing can have a damaging effect on habitat, which we are anxious to arrest.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of reports of overgrazing that have been investigated by the Welsh Office agriculture department in relation to the hill livestock compensatory allowance over the past five years; and how many of these investigations have resulted in hill livestock compensatory allowance payments being refused. [2933]
§ Mr. HagueWe have investigated nine cases in the period, all of which have been drawn to our attention during the past 18 months. The investigations are still in progress because of the need to study the vegetation during all seasons of the year. Where overgrazing is proven, our aim is to encourage farmers to change management practices voluntarily or reduce stocking levels to prevent further damage. There have been no cases where HLCA's have been reduced, but WOAD retains the right to do so in any cases where changes in farming practices are shown to be necessary and cannot be achieved voluntarily.