LESS FAVOURED AREAS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 31st Oct 2001

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP John Thurso, commenting today on the European Commission's announcement not to allow the 90% safety net for the LFA Support Scheme to be extended into 2002, said:

"I share the frustration of farmers that Commissioner Fischler has turned down the submission made by Ross Finnie.

I am particularly disappointed at the lukewarm support from UK Ministers. DEFRA must be more active in fighting our corner in Europe at this time of enduring crisis for farmers.

Ross Finnie made a good case for retaining the 90% safety net based on the exceptional difficulties experienced by farmers and crofters this year and I welcome his assurance that SERAD will be having urgent discussions with the Commission to seek other support measures to relieve the continuing pressure upon the industry."