Quality of Life

HC Deb 08 May 1989 vol 152 cc336-8W

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Farming and Fisheries if he will set out in theOfficial Report details of the policies introduced by him since 1983 with the intention of improving the quality of life for farming communities.

Mr. Ryder

Since 1983 we have introduced a wide range of measures, including those set out below, intended to further the interests of farming communities as a whole. Some measures have been designed with more remote rural areas in mind.

There have been a number of important changes in capital grant schemes since 1983. These were designed to increase assistance for investments which have a positive impact on the farm environment and the wider rural economy. On 1 December 1983 grants for hedge and shelter belt planting and traditional wall building were increased from 50 per cent. to 60 per cent. in the less-favoured areas, while grants for hedge removal were withdrawn.

The agriculture improvement scheme, introduced on 1 October 1985, extended higher rates of grant to environmental improvements in the lowlands. It also offered grants of 60 per cent. in the LFAs, and 30 per cent. elsewhere, for the installation and upgrading of facilities to prevent farm pollution.

The farm and conservation grant scheme introduced on 20 February 1989 extended the range of conservation items to include repairs to traditional buildings and the regeneration of heather moors and native woodlands. Lowland grants for facilities to handle farm effluent were increased to 50 per cent.

The farm diversification grant scheme introduced on 1 January 1988 offers grants of 25 per cent. towards the capital costs of establishing a wide range of diversified non-agricultural businesses on farms. These can bring additional employment to farmers and their families as well as broadening the farm income base.

Since 1987 we have established 10 environmentally sensitive areas in England, covering over 300,000 hectares of land. There are now 19 ESAs in the United Kingdom covering over 790,000 hectares. This represents a considerable commitment to helping to protect some of the most beautiful parts of the country. The voluntary scheme, which encourages environmentally beneficial agricultural practices, has been very popular among farmers in the designated areas and was warmly welcomed by the countryside agencies.

The farm woodland scheme launched on 1 October 1988 has several objectives, including the creation of an alternative source of income and rural employment, and the provision of environmental benefits. Initial take-up of the scheme has been very encouraging with over 5,700 hectares worth of applications in the first six months.

The set-aside scheme, introduced last year, offers support for producers reducing surplus production and new land-use opportunities for the enterprising farmer. The set-aside scheme also contains a good deal for the environment. There are statutory rules for the maintenance of land fallowed under set-aside designed to keep it in good condition and minimise the risk of nitrate leaching. Only some pesticides and fertilisers can be used and only then in special circumstances. Environmental features like trees, hedges and watercourses must be maintained.

The agricultural holdings legislation underwent major changes in 1984 following lengthy consultation with the industry. A new rent formula was introduced, statutory succession was ended for new tenancies and a number of other technical changes were made.

We have negotiated improvements in the EC milk quota system allowing producers greater flexibility to make use of available quota by leasing arrangements and

Number of confirmed cases of BSE by month of confirmation
	1988	1989
	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December	January	February	March	April
Bedfordshire	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	2	3	2
Cambridgeshire	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	1	3	4	2	1
Essex	1	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	3
Hertfordshire	0	0	0	0	5	3	0	0	1	1	0	3

other means. In conjunction with prudent market management measures, quota restraints have contributed towards the recent recovery in dairy farm incomes.

In 1984 we extended the less-favoured areas by 1.2 million hectares. As a result 26,550 holdings became eligible for hill livestock compensatory allowances and enhanced rates of capital grant. As part of the 1989–90 price fixing it was agreed that all milk producers in less-favoured areas should not pay the milk co-responsibility levy.