§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the disparity in support for organic farming as between(a) Scotland and (b) England; and what factors underlie such a disparity. [57342]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 3 November 1998]There is no disparity. The Government are committed to supporting increased organic production. Support for organic farming conditions in Scotland takes account of the specific challenges facing producers. Interim measures to enhance the Organic Aid Scheme are being considered before the scheme is merged as from Spring 2000 with the mainstream agri-environment schemes with the aim of giving organic farming in Scotland a higher profile.