HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 cc563-4
60. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the payments made from the Land Fertility Research Fund for the year ended 31st March, 1948, were devoted entirely to Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the levy from the producers of lime and farmers was collected from the whole of the United Kingdom.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Analytical, investigational and advisory work in England and Wales formerly carried out with assistance from this Fund became the responsibility of the National Agricultural Advisory Service on its establishment in October, 1946, for the purpose of giving farmers technical advice and instruction free of charge. It was, therefore, decided to wind up the Fund, and levies for lime research were discontinued on and after 1st January, 1947. The National Agricultural Advisory Service does not cover Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the cost of such of their services as were defrayed from the Fund has continued to be met from moneys remaining in the Fund.

Mr. Hurd

Do we understand that no further contributions are being taken from the suppliers of lime or from farmers in England and Wales at present?

Mr. Williams

The hon. Member can surely understand what my answer implied.

Mr. Hurd

Can the Minister enlighten us on that point then?