§ 1. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for grants have been received under the Hill Farming Act, 1946; what is the extent of the area involved; and what is the total estimated cost.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Thomas Fraser)Proposals have been submitted for 667 hill farming land improvement schemes in Scotland. Of these 84 have been withdrawn or rejected as ineligible. The remaining 583 proposed schemes cover an area of 1,685,000 acres and the total estimated cost of the works is £1,785,000.
§ Mr. SnaddenIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that there is considerable criticism in Scotland regarding the delay in the approval of these schemes, and will he look into this question of reviewing the machinery in order to get quicker results and so encourage the people who are putting forward these schemes?
§ Mr. FraserI will look at that point, but I should tell the hon. Gentleman that a considerable amount of work under these schemes is now in progress—indeed work worth in all, perhaps, £300,000.
§ Sir John BarlowCan the Minister tell us the actual acreage which is likely to be improved from an agricultural point of view through drainage, liming, etc?
§ Mr. FraserI should think the acreage I have just stated, which is 1,685,000.