§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that the area of traditional apple orchards that is not currently covered by the countryside stewardship scheme is included in 2005. [176313]
§ Alun MichaelI can confirm that, subject to approval by the European Commission, the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme which we plan to introduce in 2005 will contain measures designed to maintain and restore traditional orchards. These will be similar to the measures we have successfully operated under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. While we hope for a high level of uptake, we cannot guarantee complete coverage, not least because the scheme is voluntary.