Vol. 470 No. 1
282 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to cut the proposed 7.5 per cent reduction in area aid for grain growers across the board; if not, if he will ensure that any cuts are borne only by those growers with an excess of 100 hectares in order to protect the small producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18316/96]
The EU Commission's proposal to reduce area aid for grain growers is presently being considered by the Council of Agricultural Ministers. I do not accept that the proposed cut is necessary to meet the costs of the Commission's beef proposals. If, nevertheless, any cut is adopted it is my aim to minimise its effects on grain growers in this country, especially small producers.
283 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to cap the area of land eligible for area aid in grain at 100 hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18317/96]
Area and for grain producers was introduced as part of the CAP reform measures. Any change involving a limitation on the area of land eligible for aid would be a matter for the EU Council of Ministers. I have no knowledge of any proposal to introduce such a limit.
284 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in relation to the area aid for grain growers, the number of farmers who receive in excess of £100,000, between £90,000 - £100,000, between £80,000 - £90,000, between £70,000-£80,000, between £60,000£70,000, between £50,000 - £60,000, between £40,000 - £50,000, between £30,000 - £40,000, between £20,000 - £30,000, between £10,000 - £20,000 and under £10,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/96]
The following table shows the information requested in respect of arable aid payments in 1995:
|
Amount Paid. |
Number of Grain Growers. |
|
More than £100,000 |
20 |
|
£90,000 — £100,000 |
8 |
|
£80,000 — £90,000 |
11 |
|
£70,000 — £80,000 |
18 |
|
£60,000 — £70,000 |
40 |
|
£50,000 — £60,000 |
52 |
|
£40,000 — £50,000 |
77 |
|
£30,000 — £40,000 |
161 |
|
£20,000 — £30,000 |
341 |
|
£10,000 — £20,000 |
1,167 |
|
Less than £10,000 |
13,861 |
|
Total |
15,756 |
