§ Mrs. OrganTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlay the decision not to include the Forest of Dean as an area to receive part of the £11 million grant to farmers involved in tourism. [52043]
§ Mr. MorleyThe figure of £11 m refers to the total cost of four farm tourism projects approved under the Northern Uplands Objective 5b Structural Funds Programme. The European Commission designated the areas eligible for Objective 5b support in 1994 using criteria which required areas to have a low level of GDP along with a high share of agricultural employment in total employment, a low level of agricultural income and a low population density and/or a significant depopulation trend. A number of other economic, social and environmental factors were also taken into account. The Forest of Dean was not among the areas designated. Only those who live and work within a designated area are able to receive grant from projects supported under an Objective 5b programme.