It is B/754, n'est-ce pas? Madam Speaker, Government remains fully committed to the protection of prime agricultural land for food security, sustainable agriculture and the long-term interest of our planters and farmers. However, Government also recognises the practical realities faced by those actively engaged in agricultural activities and has agreed to the amendment to Policy A1 of Outline Planning Scheme under the Town and Country Planning Act to allow for the construction of a storage unit cum quarters for workers watchmen at a maximum gross floor area of 100 m² on agricultural plots of a minimum size of 50 perches, approximately 2,115 m². This is subject to strict conditions. Now, I have a list of the conditions, Madam Speaker. I can table the list of conditions. As regards part (b) of the question, there are built-in multiple layers of safeguards to ensure that this facility is used strictly for its intended agricultural purpose. There are strict size limits for the maximum gross floor area of 100 m² with ground floor coverage not exceeding 50 m². Space allocation for workers watchmen is capped at a maximum of 12 m². The list goes on. I will undertake to table it right away. Regarding part (c), with a view to ensuring a robust monitoring, permits will set clear enforceable conditions attached to land conversion and building and land use permits regarding design, use and continued agricultural activity. There will be inspections and sanctions as appropriate. Breaches will entail stop orders, demolition orders, fines, permit cancellations and other sanctions under the Town and Country Planning Act, Local Government Act and related legislations. Madam Speaker, the balanced and conditional amendment reflects Government's dual commitment to safeguarding our limited agricultural land while supporting those who work it productively. It is a pragmatic step forward, not a loophole. Government will continue to monitor its implementation and take corrective action whenever so required to prevent abuse.

Yes !

Vu des cas déjà en cours concernant les abus par rapport aux constructions qui étaient déjà permises pour des petites structures sur les terres agricoles. Est- ce qu'il n'y a pas là le risque de voir s'accélérer la, comment je vais dire ça ?

Une prolifération ?

La disparition plutôt, progressive des terres agricoles au profit de terres quasi résidentielles quand le ministère augmente la permission par rapport aux structures qui sont possibles de construire sur les terres agricoles. Surtout à un moment où on parle de la sécurité alimentaire.

I understand, Madam Speaker, the question from the hon. Member. Let me reassure her that at the time of consultations between our Ministries and the time the decision was taken to go for an amendment pursuant to Town and Country Planning Act of 1954, all those issues were thought of. And as we speak today, well before this decision was taken, there were no such guidelines. It was open for all to do whatever they wished. And I totally understand that. However, the reason why we have come up with a proper mechanism in the law with proper guidelines is to ensure that precisely such proliferation does not happen. What we have taken into account is what is the best way of managing to ensure that responsible agriculture goes forward and responsible farmers are helped in the process. So, once this guideline is there, all that happens that goes outside the guidelines, there will be proper monitoring and there will be sanctions.

Okay! Yes. I find a third question for you from hon. Beechook. Yes. I cannot find any other question. Do you have any other question, Minister, addressed to you?

No, I do not have any other question.

Okay, hon. Beechook being absent. So, I think you are done.

It will be going in as written format.

Yes, that is it. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes, all right. Then we will go to the question of hon. Lobine. VACOAS-PHOENIX – DRAINS PROJECTS (SEPT 2025 TO MAY 2026) – CONTRACT & FUNDS ALLOCATION