§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates his Department has made of the environmental damage caused in each of the three counties of Yorkshire and for Humberside through(a) over-grazing and (b) other practices involving livestock for which premiums are being paid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackNo overall estimate has been made of environmental damage caused by such practices in the counties specified but the Ministry's north-eastern regional service centre has under review 10 sites in North Yorkshire and two in West Yorkshire. None is currently under review in South Yorkshire or Humberside. Our objective is to secure necessary changes in farming practices by agreement with the graziers concerned who will be given every opportunity to bring about improvements before sanctions are applied. Premiums will be withheld only as a last resort.