To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount of land covered by the set aside schemes; and what expenditure is involved per annum.

The area of land currently set aside by farmers in Scotland is approximately 19,700 hectares.Annual expenditure on payments is cumulative, as new participants may apply each year and participate for five years. Payments of £2·279 million were made in financial year 1989–90. Provision of £4·22 million has been made for 1990–91.