HC Deb 07 December 1984 vol 69 c287W
33. Mr. Bruce

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present state of hill farming in less-favoured areas.

Mrs. Fenner

We are satisfied that the present level of support to farmers in the less-favoured areas is proving highly effective in maintaining the long-term viability of hill farms whilst at the same time stemming the decline in rural population. Our policy in this regard will be greatly assisted by the extension to the United Kingdom's less-favoured areas which we achieved earlier this year. This has paved the way for the Government to provide to upland farms for the first time both higher rates of capital grants and headage payments on cattle and sheep. The proposed new structures measures, currently being discussed in the Community will, if agreed in their present form, make possible the continuation of Community support for hill farming largely unchanged.