§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the252W Special Area Project for Forest of Bowland; what plans he has to introduce schemes to address the needs of areas in England that contain sites of international importance for wildlife; and if he will make a statement. [116319]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Forest of Bowland was one of two areas selected in 1999 for a two-year, experimental project to test an integrated approach to environmental and rural economy issues in the uplands. A review of the project (and the experiment in the other areas—Bodmin Moor in Cornwall) will be carried out after an economic evaluation has taken place next year.
The Ministry already operates agri-environment schemes which help to address the needs of areas in England that contain sites of international importance for wildlife. We announced on 7 December 1999 that the funding for these schemes will be increased significantly. By 2007 it is expected to be double its present level.