§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications were received for the countryside stewardship scheme; and how many were successful in the last year for which figures are available; and how many of those applications are still outstanding. [11335]
§ Mr. MorleyA total of 2,099 applications were received for the countryside stewardship scheme in 1997, the closing date for which was 31 May. In 1996, 1,115 applicants accepted agreement offers. In addition, there are still 19 offers outstanding due to continuing negotiation on the details of the agreements.