§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to provide financial assistance to those farmers who provide new opportunities for access to their land by horseriders; and if he will make a statement.[78220]
§ Mr. MorleyPayments are available for farmers who provide voluntary access for horseriders on their land under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Agreements are for 10 years. An independent evaluation of the access provisions under the agri-environment schemes, including the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, was carried out in 1998. This will form the basis of a review including consideration of access for horseriders under Countryside Stewardship in future.