To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount paid to farmers under the environmentally sensitive areas scheme in each of the designated areas; what is his estimate of the total savings in common agricultural policy expenditure arising from the scheme in each area; and what was the total amount received from the EEC to offset the payments made.

The costs of the annual payments made to farmers who signed ESA agreements up to 31 March 1990 are shown for the 10 English ESAs in the table. The EC reimbursed £0·762 million towards ESA payments made during the calendar year ending 31 December 1989. The economic studies which will throw light on any savings made under the CAP are not yet complete.