HC Deb 03 May 1990 vol 171 cc642-3W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total area in hectares designated under the ESA scheme in the south downs; what estimate was made upon the introduction of the scheme in the south downs of take-up; and what is the present take-up in(a) tier 1 and (b) tier 2; and if he has any plans to increase the levels of payment under the scheme in the south downs.

Mr. Maclean

The total area of the south downs ESA is 59,900 hectares. The initial estimates of potentially eligible land have been modified as more precise data have been obtained in monitoring the scheme. The targets for uptake are 75 per cent. of the 7,500 hectares of unimproved or semi-improved grassland (tier 1) and 10 per cent. of the 30,000 hectares of arable land (tier 2). The number of applications and agreements to date is 5,068 hectares under tier 1 and 3,034 hectares under tier 2. I have no plans at present to increase the payment levels under scheme.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what would be the cost of increasing the payment under tier 2 of the ESA scheme in the south downs from £160 to £225 per hectare(a) assuming no increase in uptake, (b) assuming an increase in uptake of 10 per cent. (c) assuming an increase in uptake of 20 per cent. and (d) assuming an increase in uptake of 30 per cent.

Mr. Maclean

The table shows the cost of tier 2 agreements and applications to date in the south downs ESA together with the effects of an increase in payments from £160 per hectare to £225 with the assumed variations in the level of uptake.

Uptake to date Tier 2 (Hectares) Annual payment £/Hectare Annual cost £ Increase £
3,034 160 485,440 —
3,034 225 682,650 +197.210
3,337 (+10 per cent.) 225 750,825 +265.
3,641 (+20 per cent.) 225 819,225 +333.785
3,944 (+30 percent.) 225 887,400 +401,960

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the operation of the ESA scheme in the south downs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

The environmental and economic impact of the south downs ESA scheme is being closely monitored. I will be evaluating the detailed reports early next year.

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