§ 57. Major Neven-Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of complaints of delay by his Lime Department in settling payments of the subsidy for the inauguration of limestone quarries; that, in particular, the company which has opened up the quarries at Dufftown, Banffshire, are unable to procure their subsidy or any draw towards their expenditure which has been expended over two years; and what steps he is taking to arrange these matters to work more quickly and smoothly.
Mr. HudsonI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the Exchequer grant towards the cost of plant for the production of ground limestone for agriculture. I was not aware that undue delay had occurred in the payment of these grants, or of instalments of them, which are, however, subject to the execution by the producers concerned of a deed embodying the conditions attaching to the grant. In the particular case mentioned, an advance payment has been applied for by the company, who have, however, questioned certain clauses in the deed which they have been asked to execute. The matter is now under examination, and an advance payment will be made to the company as soon as the necessary deed has been executed.