HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 cc22-3W
Mr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he will give an assurance that such subsidies as will, in due course, be available to farmers of marginal land will not adversely affect the amount of those currently paid to hill farmers;

(2) whether he has proposals in mind for the provision of appropriate subsidies, and other Government support, for farmers of marginal land.

Mrs. Fenner

The Government made it clear when the marginal land survey was initiated that there was no related commitment to provide farmers of marginal land with additional assistance. This remains the Government's position. Farmers in the marginal areas already qualify, of course, for aid under several existing support schemes.

Mr. Buchan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost in each year since 1970 of support for hill and marginal farms.

Mr. Peter Walker

The information on support costs for special areas is set out at table 25 III in successive issues of the White Paper "Annual Review of Agriculture", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.