Hill Farming

Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many letters he has received on the Uplands Entry Level Scheme; and how many of those opposed its introduction.

Huw Irranca-Davies
We received 48 letters responding to our informal document on Uplands Entry Level Scheme (Uplands ELS), which was published shortly after the Secretary of State’s statement in July confirming that an uplands strand of the Entry Level Stewardship scheme would replace the Hill Farm Allowance in 2010. This document sought views on specific design aspects of Uplands ELS, and so did not solicit views on support or opposition for its introduction. A summary of the responses received, together with the outcome of regional meetings with stakeholders on Uplands ELS, will be published shortly.