§ Mr. David TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conversion payments have been made by region in each of the last five financial years to encourage farmers to switch to organic production; and if he will make a statement about the Organic Aid Scheme. [67711]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Organic Aid Scheme was not in operation during the financial year 1993–94. Expenditure under the scheme in subsequent financial years, by region, is as follows:
£ Total amount paid Region 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–991 Carlisle — 7,975 11,594 12,383 6,719 Northallerton — 0 7,919 7,763 7,225 Crewe — 4,011 6,556 15,892 11,267 Worcester — 69,831 110,217 97,617 87,396 Nottingham — 16,229 20,063 21,532 32,963 Cambridge — 7,459 17,975 46,855 43,100 Reading — 32,427 71,253 124,722 123,256 Bristol — 62,822 85,902 139,903 152,535 Exeter — 39,264 42,840 105,667 99,088 Total 2— 240,018 374,319 572,334 563,549 1 To end October 1998 2 No significant expenditure