THE Scottish Office announced yesterday increases totalling #141m, 43%

in real terms, in expenditure on agriculture and fisheries in Scotland

in 1993-94.

Scots Minister for Agriculture Sir Hector Monro commented: ''I am very

pleased to be able to announce that spending by my Department on

agriculture and fisheries will increase in 1993-94 by some 43% in real

terms compared to planned expenditure in 1992-93 (#441m compared to

#300m -- an increase of #141m).

''In 1994-95 and 1995-96 spending will increase further to #480m and

#523m respectively. These increases reflect the very satisfactory

outcome of agreement earlier this year on CAP reform and, in

particular, the switch in emphasis from commodity price support to

direct payments to farmers.

''The higher provision will allow significant increases in existing

livestock subsidy payments, the introduction of a range of new on-farm

payments for the livestock and arable sectors, and of a package of

agri-environmental measures.''