§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what area of England 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. [17793]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 3 April 1995]: There are 22 environmentally sensitive areas covering 1,149,217 hectares. Payments to farmers opting to join the schemes in these areas are based on calculations of estimated average income losses and additional costs resulting from compliance with the land management conditions, and may include an incentive element. In 1993–94 payments totalled £16.5 million. The financial provision rises to £43.3 million by 1996–97. A public information pack on the English environmentally sensitive areas is being sent to the hon. Member.