To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications for the Higher Level Stewardship scheme were (a) made and (b) granted (i) in the south-west, (ii) in Torridge and west Devon and (iii) nationally in the scheme years (A) 2005-06 and (B) 2006-07. (136843)

In 2005-06 there were 235 Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) applications received in the south-west. 180 were granted. In the same period there were 927 HLS applications received nationally. 773 were granted.

In 2006-07 there were 385 HLS applications received in the south-west. 122 were granted. In the same period there were 1724 HLS applications received nationally. 816 were granted.

Natural England are currently unable to provide this data at a parliamentary constituency level, but they are looking into the feasibility of enhancing their reporting systems with a view to doing so for the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) highest, (b) lowest and (c) average value of award made under the Higher Level Stewardship scheme was (i) in the south-west, (ii) in Torridge and west Devon and (iii) nationally in the scheme years (A) 2005-06 and (B) 2006-07. (136844)

The highest, lowest and average values of annual payments made under Higher Level Stewardship, nationally and in the south-west for the given years are set out in the following table.

Natural England are currently unable to provide these data at a parliamentary constituency level, but they are looking into the feasibility of enhancing their reporting systems with a view to doing so for the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is possible for applicants whose applications to the Higher Level Stewardship scheme have been refused to reapply in the following year. (136845)

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) applications which are rejected may be re-submitted by the applicant during the next quarterly application window or beyond.

Natural England encourages applicants to discuss their HLS proposals with them so that a realistic initial assessment can be made of the application before further effort is expended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether all those who met the original criteria for payment from the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme are receiving the sums originally expected. (136891)

Once accepted into Higher Level Stewardship, agreement holders receive a payment every six months for the duration of their agreement. The payment rates set out in an HLS agreement apply for the first five years of that agreement. If any changes are made to payments rates following a payment review, they will apply for the remaining period of the agreement.