§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the lifting of the ban on the growth of industrial hemp, it is their policy to encourage its growth; and what support, in the form of grants or otherwise, they will give to those who are growing it.
§ Lord DonoughueHemp for industrial use has been produced in the UK under Home Office licence since 1993. MAFF's policy is to encourage the development of renewable raw materials, including hemp, where these have the potential to become economically viable. Work on hemp includes research and action to encourage the development of industrial markets. The common agricultural policy regime for hemp provides area payments to hemp growers, worth £645.99 per hectare in 1996. Projects to develop the industrial use of hemp may also qualify for assistance under other schemes, such as the Challenge for Agriculture Scheme in Objective 5b areas.