HC Deb 19 April 1994 vol 241 cc451-2W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures are in place to monitor whether meetings between his officials and producers to discuss ways of reducing overgrazing have led to reductions in overgrazing.

Mr. Ancram

County agriculture development officers have instructions to satisfy themselves that any measures agreed with farmers to reduce overgrazing are sufficiently monitored.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures are in place to reduce

Table 1—Nominal Terms
Financial Years (£)
1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 11994–95
Sheep Annual Premium 30,763,195 28,653,416 42,066,430 34,938,000
Suckler Cow Premium 16,578,500 17,023,513 15,401,150 36,614,000
Beef Special Premium 7,226,097 6,226,618 14,655,469 38,499,000
1Estimated

environmental damage caused through overgrazing consequent on that damage continuing after hill livestock compensatory allowances are withheld as a result of the introduction of the hill livestock compensatory allowance overgrazing clause.

Mr. Ancram

There are no overgrazing provisions in the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme beyond the withholding of allowances. A consultation paper has, however, recently been issued on a proposal to introduce similar overgrazing provisions with other livestock subsidy schemes.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many farmers have had hill livestock compensatory allowances withheld in 1992, 1993 and 1994 as a direct result of the introduction of the hill livestock compensatory allowance overgrazing clause.

Mr. Ancram

None.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many farmers have been approached by his officials to discuss ways of reducing overgrazing in each year since the introduction of the hill livestock compensatory allowance overgrazing clause; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

None. The overgrazing provisions are designed to ensure that farmers are informed of concern about changes in the condition of vegetation. Only a very small minority of farmers is likely to be affected.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures are in place to monitor whether overgrazing has reduced following the withholding of hill livestock compensatory allowances as a direct result of the introduction of the hill livestock compensatory allowance overgrazing clause.

Mr. Ancram

No hill livestock compensatory allowances have been withheld.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hill livestock compensatory allowances he has withheld in 1992, 1993 and 1994 as a direct result of the introduction of the hill livestock compensatory allowance overgrazing clause; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

None.