§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department first informed the National Farmers Union of Scotland that there was the possibility of an overshoot of the base area in the non-less favoured area region of Scotland under the arable area payment scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 6 December 1993]: Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department officials first informed the National Farmers Union of Scotland in August of the possibility of an overshoot having occurred this year in the Scottish non-less favoured area arable base area.