§ 23. Major McCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the rate of the hill sheep breeding-ewe subsidy for the current year has now been settled; and if it is to be paid on the 1946 numbers.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)I shall lay before the House shortly a statutory instrument fixing a rate of 16s. per breeding ewe. In terms of an order now before the House applicants may elect, subject to certain conditions, to have payment made to them on the basis of the number of eligible sheep maintained in the flock at 4th December, 1946.
§ 24. Major McCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the hill sheep subsidies for the current year will be paid immediately the amount has been decided, as the number of breeding ewes, on which it is to be paid, is already known.
§ Mr. WoodburnNo, Sir. Claims cannot be dealt with until applicants have stated on the relative application form (which must be submitted by 30th April next) whether they choose to claim on the basis of the number of ewes entered in the quarterly agricultural return for 4th December, 1947, or for 4th December, 1946. Payments will thereafter be made as expeditiously as possible when claims have been checked.
§ Mr. AsshetonDoes the right hon. Gentleman happen to know if the answers to this and the last Question are applicable in the case of England?
§ Mr. WoodburnI am not quite sure about the dates, but I should think so.