§ 16. Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make it his policy to make European Economic Community funds available for agricultural schemes which seek a balance between agriculture and conservation.
§ Mr. MacGregorIt is already our policy to balance the needs of agriculture and conservation in the operation of the capital grant schemes, both through the incorporation of specific environmental safeguards and the payment of grant on investments for conservation purposes where these form part of an agricultural activity. The European Commission's new structures proposals show a clear recognition of the importance of striking this balance between agriculture and conservation, and we will be seeking to ensure that the regulations will fully reflect this objective.