Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the response to the new farm woodland schemes: how many inquiries he has received; how many applications have been approved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersThere has been considerable interest shown in the farm woodland scheme which opened to applications on 1 October. The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland held two FWS open days at Seskinore and Garvagh, at which approximately 400 farmers attended. Another open day is being held at Castlewellan on 19 October and further publicity events are planned. One hundred and forty information packs 955W have been issued, and to date 15 applications have been received by the Department. None of these applications has yet been approved.