asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the forage area limitation applying to headage payments under the disadvantaged areas directive is having serious effects on the levels of payments to some enterprising smallholders; if he has any proposals to change the situation in the interest of the smallholders affected and in the interest of increasing livestock production generally in the disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Forage Area Limitation.
28.
I do not accept that the forage area limit is having serious effects on payment levels or hindering expansion in livestock numbers. In fact, the limit was raised this year from £18 per acre to the maximum allowable by the EC of £30 per acre for applicants with beef cows and/or sheep, and to £24 per acre for other applicants.
Some 90 per cent of all applicants under the 1986 disadvantaged areas schemes are unaffected by the new forage area limits. The applicants who are affected have stocking rates in excess of one livestock unit per forage hectare which under the EC regulations is not regarded as an indication of severe handicap. In fact, the minority of applicants affected by the forage area limits are nevertheless receiving 2½ to 3 times the average amount per acre payable to the majority of applicants under this year's schemes.