§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money will be available from the countryside premium scheme for 1996–97 and 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [23794]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonAround £2 million is available for the countryside premium scheme in 1996–1997 although the timetable for bringing the scheme into operation means that it is difficult to predict how much of272W this amount will be required. My noble Friend will decide later this year on the funding requirements for the scheme in 1997–98.