HC Deb 09 November 1998 vol 319 cc31-2W
Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the income for hill farmers in Northern Ireland as(a) a total and (b) an average per farmer in 1997–98; and what are the predictions for income in the present financial year. [58013]

Mr. Paul Murphy

A total income figure for hill farmers in Northern Ireland is not available.

Estimates of the average income per farmer in 1997–98 and the prediction for 1998–99 will be published by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on 30 November 1998, with accompanying statistical tables placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures the Government are(a) taking, and (b) proposing to take, to support the income levels of hill farmers in Northern Ireland. [58016]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Hill farmers in Northern Ireland continue to receive Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances (HLCAs). Payments are based on numbers of cattle and sheep held and an annual review is ongoing on a UK basis as part of the process of determining the payment rates for the 1999 scheme.

Under EU Agenda 2000 proposals such support will switch to payment based on areas rather than headage but will continue to be targeted at the LFA. Agenda 2000 negotiations are still at relatively early stages.