Environmental - We need answers over agri schemes

Release/Rhyddhau: Tuesday, 19 April 2005

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Welsh Liberal Democrat Countryside spokesperson, Mick Bates, has today challenged the Labour Assembly Government over proposed changes to the agri-environmental schemes, Tir Gofal and Tir Cymen.

It is likely that under new proposals rates will be significantly reduced in Wales.

Mr Bates said: “This is very bad news.  Any farmer thinking about getting involved in the schemes must be having second thoughts.  Those currently involved must be thinking about getting out.

“Just a few months ago, I found out that the Countryside Minister had £17 million of his budget put to one side.  He told us then that is was for agri-environmental schemes.  If this is the case why are these rates being reduced?

“Carwyn Jones needs to tell us why rates are going to be cut and what has happened to the £17 million.”