Agri-Environment Programme

HC Deb 18 March 1999 vol 327 c778W

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Scottish Agri-Environment Programme. [76364]

Mr. Macdonald

The number of participants in the Scottish Agri-Environment Programme is increasing and we have responded by making extra resources available. Expenditure was £9.7 million in 1997–98 and is planned to reach £13 million this year and £22 million by 2001–02. A number of improvements to existing schemes are planned for this year and a new all-Scotland scheme is on course for introduction during the Spring of 2000 under Agenda 2000.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.