§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to arrest the decline in sheep numbers in the hills and uplands of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [4807]
815W
§ Mr. Raymond S. Robertson[holding answer 11 December 19951: Following the Government's autumn review of farm incomes in the hills and uplands we decided to hold rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances—HLCA— at current levels. This, at a time when net farm incomes were forecast to rise on average by some nine per cent. and by 15.5 per cent. for specialist sheep units, was a significant achievement after what had been a particularly severe public expenditure round. In addition, the number of animals on which subsidy has been paid in the less-favoured area is relatively stable. The maintenance of HLCA rates clearly demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to sheep production in Scotland's less-favoured areas.