§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to review the capping limits on the environmentally sensitive areas provision; and if he will make a statement; [19949]
(2) when he expects the review of the environmentally sensitive areas provision to be complete; and if he will make a statement. [19950]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonBiennial reviews of payments ceilings and rates have now been completed for all 10 environmentally sensitive area schemes. Increased ceilings and rates were introduced for the Breadalbane and Loch Lomond schemes with effect from 21 December 1995. Substantial increases in ceilings of up to 175 per cent. for the remaining eight schemes were announced on 8 March, subject to approval by the European Commission and Parliament. These increases demonstrate 603W our commitment to the schemes and should ensure that farmers and crofters who opt to join can manage their land to achieve maximum conservation benefit.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to correct the underspend on the environmentally sensitive areas provision; and if he will make a statement. [19948]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonThe environmentally sensitive areas scheme is voluntary and while uptake to date has been lower than anticipated, it is steadily increasing. My noble Friend the Minister for Agriculture and the Environment expects that it will continue to do so as farmers and crofters recognise the benefits of participation and take advantage of substantially increased payment ceilings which we have recently announced.