§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many stewardship applications have been made in the last420W (a) quarter, (b) half-year and (c) year for which figures are available, broken down by county; and if she will make a statement. [185211]
§ Alun MichaelThere is an annual application period for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. 2,056 applications were received during the period, which closed on 31 March 2004. This total includes applications for the renewal of agreements coming to an end in 2004. A breakdown by county is not currently available.