§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the take-up of forestry grants since EC regulation 2080/92 forestry measures in agriculture was introduced.
§ Sir Hector MonroI have been asked to reply. Since European Council regulation No. 2080/92 came into force on 30 July 1992, the Forestry Commission has approved 10,162 applications under the woodland grant scheme, including those associated with the farm woodland 83W premium scheme. The grants paid by the Government under these schemes will be part-financed by the European Community. The approved applications are for establishing 41,000 hectares of new woodlands, restocking 25,000 hectares of felled woodlands, and managing 149,000 hectares of existing woodlands.