asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is yet in a position to announce measures to alleviate and make more profitable and secure the position of the hill farmers of Wales.

Hill farmers within the less favoured areas of Wales will benefit to the extent of £24 million hill livestock compensatory allowances in 1982. In addition, support for livestock farmers is provided under the beef and sheepmeat regimes, including the headage payments on breeding cows and sheep. Enhanced rates of grants are available in the less favoured areas for improvements of a capital nature. A case for extending the less favoured areas is currently under consideration.