Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional assistance his Department has the power to offer west Cumbria's hill farmers following the recent adverse weather conditions. [14815]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 12 February 1996]: The EC rules for the provision of hill livestock compensatory allowances, the main form of aid payable specifically to hill farmers, already provides compensation for the permanent natural handicaps affecting farming activities. There is no provision to pay allowances in respect of abnormal weather conditions. However, the Department's staff at the Carlisle regional service centre have been in contact with the local farming community and Cumbria 677W county council to co-ordinate assistance where required. Activity is mainly centred around the need for early road clearance to allow for milk tanker access to dairy units.