§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to make assistance available to help farmers in Scotland convert from surplus to non-surplus crops and livestock.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonCouncil regulation (EEC) No. 1094/88 requires all member states to introduce aid schemes to encourage the conversion of production towards non-surplus products. A proposal by the EC Commission for a Council regulation listing eligible products and setting out the main conditions for payment of aid is currently before the Agriculture Council. Once a Council regulation is adopted, and the necessary detailed implementing regulation has been made by the EC Commission, the agriculture departments will consider the content of a conversion scheme for the United Kingdom.