To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken towards encouraging farming methods which support conservation measures and promote habitats for breeding birds. [35147]

[holding answer 18 July 1995]: We are expanding the range of schemes to encourage environmentally sensitive farming and plan to spend over £100 million on such schemes in the UK in 1996–97. The environmentally sensitive areas, countryside stewardship, habitat and moorland schemes in particular will benefit a wide range of habitats and species, including birds.