§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the European Commission's proposal to limit the payment of the hill livestock compensatory allowance to 25 per cent. for the first 45 livestock units and 12.5 per cent. for the next 45 units.
§ Mr. RifkindWe have received representations from several right hon. and hon. Members, the National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Scottish Landowners Federation expressing concern about the European Commission's proposals for changes to the hill livestock compensatory allowance arrangements.
§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the event of the European Commission's proposal to limit the payment of the hill livestock compensatory allowance to 25 per cent. for the first 45 livestock units and 12—5 per cent. for the next 45 units becoming effective, the Government will consider funding the deficit for Scottish farms.
§ Mr. RifkindNegotiations on the Commission's proposals—which are part of a package of measures relating to reform of the structural funds—have only just begun. It is premature to consider what action the Government might take if the proposals were to be adopted unchanged, but I can give a categorical assurance that in the negotiations we shall be seeking to ensure that full account is taken of the structure of farming in the less-favoured areas of Scotland.