HC Deb 18 November 1998 vol 319 cc686-7W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to(a) prevent the destruction and (b) encourage the maintenance of dry stone walls. [60006]

Mr. Morley

The Ministry helps to prevent the destruction and encourages the maintenance of dry stone walls through agri-environment schemes. Both the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship Schemes provide payments for wall restoration and associated maintenance.

The Government are also considering the recommendations of the Environment Sub-committee report on their Inquiry into the Protection of Field Boundaries.