§ Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment has been made by his Department of the total cumulative reduction in support to cereal growers in less-favoured areas in Wales in the current year following his announcement of such new boundaries for the arable aid scheme on 14 February.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe payment rate in the LFA this year will be the same as last year, subject to any change in the146W green rate by 1 July 1994. Therefore, if the total area on which payments are claimed remains constant the total payments in the LFA will remain the same in 1994 as in 1993.
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations his Department received following his original proposal in October 1993 for boundaries in respect of the arable aid scheme in Wales based on local parish boundaries; and how many were in favour of the non-LFA decision announced by him on 14 February.
§ Mr. RedwoodTwo hundred and ninety-seven. Seven expressed support for an LFA/non-LFA split, although producers were not specifically asked about that possibility. Most sought an England and Wales region which was not possible.
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment has been made by his Department of the total cumulative reduction in hill livestock compensatory allowance support to livestock producers in the less-favoured areas in Wales in the current year, following this year's cut in hill livestock compensatory allowances.
§ Mr. RedwoodBased on projected animal numbers eligible for payments and the reductions in individual rates, the reduction in hill livestock compensatory payments for the 1994 scheme year is estimated to be £5.5 million. This will be more than offset by increases in other forms of support.