§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what amount of environmentally sensitive area grant budget for 1994–95 is still uncommitted(a) in cash and (b) as a percentage of the budget; and if he will make a statement on underspending in environmentally sensitive areas budget for 1993–94 and 1994–95. [19965]
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§ Mr. JackI have been asked to reply.
Expenditure in 1994–95 on payments to farmers in English ESAs was, provisionally, £20.1 million, which represents 65 per cent. of the total provision of £31 million.
Six new ESAs were launched in 1993 and a further six in 1994, in respect of which first payments will be made in 1995–96. This brings the total in England to 22. Participation is voluntary and interest in the new schemes is growing as farmers become more familiar with the requirements.