§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1994(a) what forms of financial aid are available exclusively for organic farmers in Scotland, (b) what administration procedures were required for its acquisition, (c) how much money was ear-marked and (d) what percentage of the money annually ear-marked was received by farmers for that year; and if he will make a statement. [2362]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonFinancial aid is provided through the organic aid scheme. It provides assistance to farmers and crofters who wish to convert to organic standards. The scheme requires participants to register with a United Kingdom register of organic food standards approved sector body; remain registered for the five-year duration of the scheme; and follow a conversion plan agreed by the approved sector body. Scheme provision and expenditure are set out in the following table: 667W
Organic aid scheme (£ million) 1994–95 Provision — Expenditure — 1995–96 Provision .07 Expenditure 0.5 (71 per cent.) 1996–97 Provision .17 Expenditure Not yet available