§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what area of Scotland is designated as being environmentally sensitive; how much Government funding is spent annually on environmentally sensitive areas; how this formula is calculated; and if he will make a statement. [17795]
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 3 April 1995]: There are 10 environmentally sensitive areas in Scotland covering over 1.4 million hectares, about 20 per cent. of the land area. Expenditure in 1993–94 was £0.963 million and planned provision will rise to £9.2 million in 1997–98. Payments are calculated on the basis of estimated average income losses and additional costs resulting from compliance with the scheme requirements and may also take account of the need to provide an incentive. Sufficient resources have been allocated to allow eligible farmers and crofters in the designated areas to participate in the scheme.