§ 20. Mr. Sextonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the interests of increasing soil fertility of the country and to assist in giving employment to limestone quarrymen in the special areas of South-west and West Durham, he will endeavour to have restarted limestone quarries now entirely or partially closed down, from which quarries was produced, a few years ago, agricultural lime of superfine qualities?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe proposal to provide assistance from the Exchequer to enable farmers to apply more lime to their land, which I announced on Thursday last, will no doubt result in a greatly increased demand for lime for agricultural purposes and lead to the reopening of 660 many limestone quarries which are now closed.
§ Mr. DaltonIs the right hon. Gentleman in touch with the Commissioner for the Special Areas on this aspect of the matter, with a view to drawing these supplies as far as possible from the Special Areas?
§ Mr. MorrisonQuestions with regard to assistance for the Special Areas should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.
§ Mr. DaltonThat was not the question that I asked. I asked whether the right hon. Gentleman himself, in relation to this agricultural policy, was in touch with the Commissioner? If not, would he be so kind as to get into touch?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will glady co-operate in any effort in that direction, but I must point out that my own proposals were mainly directed towards agriculture.