§ 31. Mr. HaynesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to introduce any new measures to enhance the quality of the British landscape.
§ Mr. RyderThe introduction of the environmentally sensitive areas scheme in 1987 and the farm woodland scheme in 1988 is making an important contribution to the quality of the British landscape. In addition, the farm and conservation grant scheme, introduced in February, offers, for the first time, grants for repairs to traditional farm buildings and for the regeneration of heather moors and native woodlands as well as continuing assistance for hedge and shelter belt planting and the construction of stone walls.
Farmers entering the set-aside scheme are encouraged to consider ways in which set-aside of their land may benefit the landscape. Moreover, the Countryside Commission will shortly be announcing details of a scheme to encourage farmers to manage set-aside land to benefit conservation and recreation.
Until the effectiveness of these major new schemes becomes clear it would be premature to introduce any additional measures.