§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider paying an enhanced hill livestock compensatory allowance to mountain farmers.
§ Mr. John MacKayNo mountain areas have been designated in the UK under EC regulations, but the Government pay compensatory allowances to hill farmers on eligible livestock in the UK less-favoured areas and has announced the intention of doing so in new marginal land areas, as well as introducing some enhancement of hill livestock compensatory allowances in the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.
§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that enhanced hill livestock compensatory allowances are not limited to the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.
§ Mr. John MacKayAfter very careful consideration, my right hon. Friend has decided that the enhanced rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances will be paid on eligible beef cows and hill sheep within the HIDB area only as the general level of natural handicaps in this area are on average greater than those affecting any other significant part of the less-favoured areas in the UK.