HC Deb 27 January 1948 vol 446 cc815-6
33. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications were received up to 31st December, 1947, for grants under the Hill Farming Act, 1947; and how many applications had been approved.

Mr. Woodburn

Up to 31st December, 1947, 459 outline proposals for improvement schemes under the Hill Farming Act had been received in Scotland. Out of 127 cases in which investigation had by that date been completed, 75 had been reported upon favourably and the promoters asked to submit details of the proposed works with estimates of cost so that formal approval might be given. Five detailed schemes had been received and will shortly be approved. Permission had, however been given in 55 cases for urgent works to be put in hand pending the submission of detailed schemes.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that sufficiently rapid progress is being made in the consideration of the applications, and that there is no bottleneck after the applications leave St. Andrew's House?

Mr. Woodburn

I am satisfied that no unavoidable delay takes place. If the hon. Member can point to anything which could be speeded up, I will certainly co-operate.

Mr. S. Shephard

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these schemes include the building of farm cottages which cannot be tied?

Mr. Woodburn

That is another question.