Environmentally Sensitive Areas

HC Deb 24 July 1985 vol 83 cc625-6W

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the sum available to finance the proposed environmentally sensitive areas to be established under article 19 of the agricultural structures regulations.

Mrs. Fenner

The Government will make available sufficient funds for the designation initially of five or six environmentally sensitive areas. These areas and the levels of payment appropriate to them have not yet been determined.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Nature Conservancy Council and Countryside Commission will be consulted over the detail of individual farm improvement plans within environmentally sensitive areas.

Mrs. Fenner

Decisions on the administration of environmentally sensitive areas must await consideration by Parliament of the necessary legislation.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which authority or statutory body will be responsible for administering the grants and other incentives available to farmers in environmentally sensitive areas once they have been established.

Mrs. Fenner

The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food will be responsible for administering the environmentally sensitive areas. Decisions on detailed arrangements must await consideration by Parliament of the necessary legislation.