§ Mr. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what percentage of English agricultural land currently falls within the definition of a less favoured area;
(2) what percentage of English agricultural land currently falls within the definition of marginal land.
§ Mrs. FennerApproximately 15 per cent. of agricultural land in England is designated as less favoured. A further 4 per cent. of agricultural land in England,504W commonly referred to as "marginal", is considered to be capable of meeting the criteria for designation as less favoured area under directive 75/268.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in EEC discussions on marginal land; and what financial contribution is likely to be required from Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy officials began discussions with the European Commission in September on the United Kingdom's case for extending the designation of less favoured area to over 1 million hectares of marginal land. Consultations are progressing normally and a further round of talks will take place in November. However, the extension of the LFA carries with it no commitment to provide additional aid from public funds to any new areas which may be designated.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he now expects to introduce legislation on the lines of the National Farmers Union arid Country Landowners Association joint submission made in 1981 regarding the method of reaching a fair rent for agricultural land.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 18 October.—[Vol. 29. c. 33-34.]