§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total area of farm holdings is in England and Wales which are part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme; and if she will make a statement. [87329]
§ Alun MichaelThe Countryside Stewardship Scheme operates in England, whereas the equivalent scheme in Wales, Tir Gofal, is the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly. The total area of land under agreement in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is approximately 338,000 hectares, not including the 2002 application round.