HC Deb 28 January 1997 vol 289 cc157-8W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was allocated to agri-environmental schemes in Wales other than Tir Cymen and environmentally sensitive areas in the last year for which figures are available; and how much has been allocated to farmers whose land is designated as severely disadvantaged within the less favoured area. [12645]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The provision in 1996–97 is:

Scheme £000
Habitat scheme 610
Moorland scheme 1,280
Organic aid 382
Countryside access 2
Total 2,274

There is no separate allocation for less favoured areas. These schemes are voluntary and the amount paid in less favoured areas depends on the number of farmers from those areas who choose to enter the scheme.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total amount allocated by the Countryside Council for Wales for the Tir Cymen scheme during the current financial year; and how much has been allocated to farmers whose land is designated as severely disadvantaged within the less favoured area. [12646]

Mr. Evans

In 1996–97, £5.36 million has been allocated. A number of farmers whose land has been designated as severely disadvantaged within the less favoured areas have entered the scheme, although there is no separate record of how much has been allocated to them.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total sum allocated under the environmentally sensitive area scheme for the current financial year; and how much has been allocated to farmers whose land is designated as severely disadvantaged within the less favoured area. [12647]

Mr. Evans

The provision for 1996–97 is £6.76 million. There is no separate allocation for less favoured areas. The scheme is voluntary and the amount paid in less-favoured areas depends on the number of farmers from those areas who choose to enter the scheme.