HC Deb 09 March 2001 vol 364 cc355-7W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers who previously received hill livestock compensatory allowance but now do not qualify for hill farm allowance will receive transitional support this year. [151743]

Ms Quin

No. However, such farmers are eligible to apply for schemes under the England Rural Development Programme.

Mr. Breed

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers previously eligible for hill livestock compensatory allowance he estimates will not qualify for hill farm allowance. [151741]

Ms Quin

Preliminary estimates indicate that across the country 1,200 to 1,300 farmers who received HLCA in 2000 will not receive HFA because they have less than 10 hectares of eligible forage area in the less favoured areas. Officials recently wrote to 3,400 producers, asking for additional information in order to ensure that all those who qualify receive payment.

Those who are ineligible for HFA will be eligible to apply for schemes under the England Rural Development Programme.