HC Deb 16 May 1939 vol 347 cc1191-2
58. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the difference in seasonable arrangements between Scottish and English farming and, in particular, the later harvest in Scotland, he will be prepared to extend beyond 30th September the period of qualification for the grant for ploughing grass lands in respect of Scottish farms?

61. Mr. Erskine Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the need for encouraging in creased cultivation in the national interest and of the climatic conditions in Scotland, he will take steps to increase the time limit during which the subsidy recently announced for increased ploughing is payable in Scotland?

62. Major Neven-Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the lateness of the harvest in the North of Scotland, he will undertake to increase by two months the time limit governing the recently announced subsidy for the encouragement of ploughing in Scotland?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

The Government have given full consideration to the position, and it is proposed to extend to 31st October the period during which farmers may qualify for subsidy in respect of additional ploughing of grass lands. This extension will apply to the United Kingdom as a whole.

Mr. Snadden

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, will he take steps to give greater publicity to this announcement?

Mr. T. Williams

Will not the Government really make up their minds what they intend to do, instead of making announcements by weekly instalments?

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that a considerable area of grass land in Scotland is let for seasonal grazing until 31st October, and that unless the date is extended beyond 31st October, that grass land will not be able to be improved with the aid of the subsidy?

Mr. Colville

I will consider that point, but my hon. Friend will recollect that when this scheme was announced it was explained that it was, in fact, one specially applying to this summer, and was not regarded as a winter programme.