HC Deb 22 June 1989 vol 155 cc253-4W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the names of all grant schemes available to farmers for planting hedgerows, giving their date of introduction, when they ceased; and whether they are still available, since 1959;

(2) if he will list the names of all grant schemes available to farmers for renewing hedgerows, giving their date of introduction, when they ceased, and whether they are still available, since 1959.

Mr. Ryder

Grant was available under the following schemes for the provision, replacement or improvement of hedges:

Name of Scheme Dale Introduced Date Closed to Applications
Farm improvement scheme 1 September 1957 31 December 1970
Horticulture improvement scheme 14 April 1960 31 December 1973
Hill land improvement scheme 14 August 1967 31 December 1970
Farm capital grant scheme 1 January 1971 30 September 1980
Horticulture capital grant scheme 1 January 1974 30 September 1980
Farm and horticulture development scheme 1 January 1974 30 September 1980
Agriculture and horticulture development scheme 1 October 1980 30 September 1985
Agriculture and horticulture grant scheme 1 October 1980 9 July 1985
Agriculture improvement regulations 1 October 1985 28 November 1988
Agriculture improvement scheme 1 October 1985 29 November 1988

The closing dates quoted are those for the receipt of new applications. Expenditure incurred before the closing date could be claimed subsequently and where the applicant held an approved plan of investments, the expenditure too could be incurred after the closing date. Claims are still being accepted from holders of approved plans under the agriculture and horticulture development scheme and the Agriculture Improvement Regulations.

Grants of 50 per cent. in the less favoured areas and 40 per cent. elsewhere for the provision, replacement or improvement of hedges are currently available under the farm and conservation grant scheme which was introduced on 20 February 1989.