§ Mr. WarrenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres of farm land have been included in the set-aside scheme; what is the total sum paid to farmers to date; and what are the terms and conditions required of recipients to keep the said land in a reasonable condition.
§ Mr. CurryAround 265,000 acres has been entered into the set-aside scheme in England in the first three years. Payments are made one year in arrears. A total of £8 million was paid in respect of the first scheme year and a further £17.5 million has been allocated in respect of the second.
Details of the management obligations placed upon participants are included in the scheme literature, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.