§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hectares of land were converted from arable production to wet land grazing since 1985 under the Broads grazing land (Halvergate) conservation scheme.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 30 June 1988]: Five hectares of land were converted from arable production to permanent grassland within the area of the Broads grazing marshes conservation scheme 1985–87. However, the main objective of this experimental scheme was halting the conversion of grassland to arable and this was achieved. In the Broads environmentally sensitive area, which succeeded the experimental scheme, applications have been received to convert 83 hectares of arable land to grassland within the area covered by the earlier scheme.