HC Deb 28 April 1947 vol 436 c1534
64. Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the necessary instructions have now been issued to A.E.Cs. to enable them to approve grants under the Hill Farming Act.

Mr. T. Williams

Discussions are now taking place locally between officers of my Department and representatives of the county war agricultural executive committees about the part committees will play in the consideration and approval of hill farming land improvement schemes submitted under the Act. Detailed instructions will be issued immediately after these discussions are concluded. Section 33 of the Act precludes the delegation to committees of the approval or making of improvement grants.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many landowners have prepared schemes which they are anxious to put into operation as soon as authority can be given for grants to be approved; and will he try to hurry up that process?

Mr. Williams

I am very anxious that schemes should be expedited.