HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 cc947-8W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to increase annual payments to farmers in the existing environmentally sensitive areas in Wales; and what plans he has to deregulate the amount of capital grant available for conservation works in the environmentally sensitive areas.

Mr. Redwood

I will be announcing the revised scheme arrangements and payment rates for the Cambrian mountains extension and Lleyn peninsula ESAs shortly. Payment rates in these ESAs will be reviewed in 1996. The Cambrian mountains original ESA was revised in 1992 and will be subject to a payment review later this year. These payment reviews will include an assessment of the capital grant arrangements.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the proposed new environmentally sensitive areas in Wales to be launched; when the first agreements will start; when the first payments will be made; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

The new ESA schemes in Preseli and the Clwydian range will be open for application shortly. The first payments to farmers will be made six months after the signing of the first management agreements.