§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provisions have been made to assist farmers in reseeding pastures damaged by the summer's wet weather.
§ Dr. BoysonGrants for reseeding of grassland are available under the agriculture improvement scheme throughout the United Kingdom at the rates of 30 per cent. and 15 per cent. in the less favoured areas and lowland areas, respectively. Under the agricultural development programme for Northern Ireland, which applies in the original less favoured areas, the reseeding of pasture land is eligible for 45 per cent. grant: this programme is under review. The Grassland Scheme (Northern Ireland) 1985 made available a grant of 27.5 per cent. for grassland reseeding in the lowland area; while this scheme ends on 31 March 1986, my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is giving consideration to its extension as one of the measures funded under the special aid package for Northern Ireland in 1986.