HC Deb 29 February 1996 vol 272 c688W
Mr. Hardy

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to simplify the procedure involved in the consideration of grants sought under the farm woodland premium scheme. [17413]

Mr. Boswell

The farm woodland premium scheme is currently being reviewed to enable decisions to be taken about its future operation after 31 March 1997. The simplification of application procedures is one of the issues being addressed. We expect to announce the outcome of the review this summer.

Mr. Hardy

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of grants under the farm woodland premium scheme in each of the last seven years; and how, in each year, the sums paid out compared with the amounts budgeted. [17414]

Mr. Boswell

The farm woodland premium scheme was launched on 1 April 1992. The first annual payments were not made until October 1993. Expenditure details for England are as follows:

£000
Year Actual expenditure PES provision
1992–93 0 0
1993–94 645 1,022
1994–95 1,362 2,713
1995–96 11,943 4,816
1 Estimate.