§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount of money paid out in management agreements relating to sites of special scientific interest in 1991; how many individual agreements are currently in force in England, Scotland and Wales; what is the average payment per agreement, and what are the top 10 highest individual payments.
§ Mr. MacleanManagement agreements within Wales and Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland.
I am advised by English Nature that the amount they paid for management agreements under section 15 of the Countryside Act 1968 relating SSSIs in 1991–92 was £5,735,359; those still active at 31 March 1992 total 1,584 (including some awaiting renewal). The average payment is £875 lump sum plus an ongoing annual payment of £2,176.
Details of management agreement payments are confidential to the parties concerned. The 10 highest individual payments are as follows:
- £322,983
- £109,600
- £108,000
- £ 79,000
- £ 69,134
- £ 49,500
- £ 48,194
- £ 42,004
243 - £ 36,091
- £ 36,000