§ 46. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture the total sum paid to United Kingdom farmers in the past 12 months as grants for ploughing up grassland; and how much of this was in respect of permanent grassland of at least seven years standing.
The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)The total of grants for ploughing up grassland paid to United Kingdom farmers during the 12 months ending 30th June, 1949, is £5,975,000. I regret that I have no separate record of the amount paid in respect of grassland of at least seven years' standing.
§ Mr. HurdIs it not necessary to call for this information before deciding to abandon the ploughing up subsidy altogether?
Mr. WilliamsThe acreage involved is 1,508,000. To dissect these figures in order to get the information which the hon. Gentleman requires would be a task disproportionate to the value of the reply.