asked the Minister for Energy when the new system of grant aid for forestry under western package will come into operation; and if retrospective payment will be made to landowners who planted trees under the western package but who were deemed ineligible because they were not in receipt of cattle headage payments.
Written Answers. - Forestry Aid.
98.
It is intended to continue the forestry grants currently available under the western package for plantation establishment and forest road construction.
A new EC Regulation adopted on 18 June 1989 makes provision for payment by member states of an annual forestry premium to farmers who afforest land. Implementation of this regulation is under consideration at present and European Commission agreement to the details of the scheme will be necessary before it could come into operation. As the legal basis for payment of the premium was only laid down on 18 June 1989, payment could not be made retrospective to farmers who planted before that date.