§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to extend eligibility for the countryside premium to the set-aside scheme to all counties in England and Wales.
§ Mr. CurryWe plan to introduce a national successor to the countryside premium scheme once we have the necessary legal powers to do so. The agri-environment proposals agreed in principle last month as part of the CAP reform package should provide that legal basis. We aim to submit proposals next year for a programme of agri-environmental measures, including an environmental set-aside scheme, to the EC Commission for its approval.