HL Deb 05 February 1996 vol 569 cc3-4WA
Earl Peel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they propose to take, after the termination of the Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme in February 1996, to enable those farmers whose land lies outside the area eligible to participate in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (and in particular whose land comprises over moorland) to obtain grant aid for bracken spraying.

Lord Lucas:

The Countryside Stewardship scheme applies to land throughout England, including open moorland, except that in environmentally sensitive areas or that in areas covered by agreements under the Moorland Scheme. Both Countryside Stewardship and the ESA scheme provide payments for bracken control.

MAFF have offered to meet the Moorland Association to discuss the provision of grants for bracken control.