§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to comply with his duty under section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968 to incorporate practical conservation advice into grant-aided capital works, following the publication of the statutory instrument laid before Parliament on 22 July entitled "The Agriculture and Horticulture Grant Regulations 1980".
§ Mr. WigginAs I said in my reply to a question from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Small Heath (Mr. Howell), farmers will be advised to consider the conservation and environmental implications of their proposed investments; ADAS advice on these matters will continue to be available.—[Vol. 988, c. 181.] In considering claims for grant we shall have regard to conservation and reserve the right to reject a claim relating to an investment which has seriously damaged the countryside including its flora and fauna. It is the responsibility of the environmental and conservation bodies to identify areas where such damage would be serious.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Farmers Union and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds about the Agriculture and Horticulture Grant Regulations 1980.
§ Mr. WigginBoth organisations are among those which wrote in response to the consultation document, issued in February, which set out proposals for changes in the administration of capital grants. All representations made on the proposals have been considered carefully in preparing the new scheme.