§ 19 and 20. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether it is the policy of his Department, before approving a scheme under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, to insist that such a scheme must be completed regardless of any increase in costs arising between approval and completion;
(2) whether he regards failure to complete all the projects of an approved scheme under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, as a result of increased costs as reasonable ground for variation of the scheme under Section 4 of the Act; or whether such failure is treated as cause for revocation of the scheme in terms of Section 6.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)It is not my intention to stipulate, as a condition of approval of a scheme under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, that it must be completed regardless of any increase of costs arising thereafter. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to deal in advance with the hypothetical question posed by the hon. Member about the position after a scheme has been approved. The course of action to be taken would depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case, which would require to be considered on its merits and in the light of my statutory powers under the Act.
§ Mr. SnaddenSince the right hon. Gentleman has answered both those Questions together may I ask him whether he realises that the Hill Farming Act owes its very existence to the poverty of the industry? What happens to a man who has £1,000 to spare and, having spent it, he finds his scheme is incomplete? Can the scheme then be varied or revoked, and if it is revoked does not the man lose the whole of his money?
§ Mr. WoodburnI have power to vary these schemes, but each case must be decided on its merits. I can assure the hon. Member that any such case will be treated sympathetically by us.
§ Mr. SnaddenDoes not the period of revocation prevent the submission of a scheme?
§ Mr. WoodburnI am afraid that no guarantee can be given to carry on the grant no matter what he does. Clearly the State must have some protection against failure to do the job properly.