§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hill farmers there are in England; what is the total amount of subsidy that has been paid to them in each of the last five years; and what are her forecasts for the amount she expects they will be paid in the next year.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe system of farm classification distinguishes farms in the less-favoured areas, it does not distinguish hill farms. Analysis of the returns for the June 1992 census for England shows that there were 11,840 cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas. Statistics are not collected on the total amount of subsidy paid to each type of farm. It is, however, estimated that the total amount paid on cattle and sheep in the less-favoured areas in the United Kingdom under the various livestock subsidy schemes will be about £550 million in 1994.