§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the budget for the Highlands and Islands Objective 1 area under the agricultural improvement scheme for(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94, (d) 1994–95, (e) 1995–96, (f) 1996–97, (g) 1997–98 and (h) 1998–99; and what is the underspend for each year. [76862]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme (ABIS) forms part of the Objective 1 Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme (HIAP), along with the Marketing Scheme and the Crofting Township Development Scheme. There is no separate budget provision for ABIS.
The original budget provision for the HIAP was £23 million, but due to the strength of sterling against the ecu, this figure is now nearer £20 million.
The estimated expenditure and outturn figures from 1994–95, when the programme was launched, to 1998–99 are shown in the table:
£million Financial year PES provision Expenditure 1994–95 1.600 0.049 1995–96 2.178 1.188 1996–97 4.855 2.528 1997–98 4.836 3.162 1998–99 4.830 12.132 1To end February 1999 Total expenditure to date under HIAP is therefore £9.059 million. In addition, there are commitments totalling £4.7 million still to be paid, giving an overall total to date of £13.759 million. The programme remains open for approvals until 31 December 1999 and for payments until 31 December 2001.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.