HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 cc1379-80
10 and 11. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he will extend to hill farmers in England and Wales, such as those in the Lake District, the special subsidies granted to certain Scottish hill farmers, in view of the special difficulties that have been experienced this year;

(2) if he is aware that hill farmers have in many cases lost their hay owing to the exceptionally wet season; and if he will consult the Hill Farming Advisory Committee with a view to ascertaining whether it will be necessary to help hill farmers, and the best way to do it during the coming winter.

Mr. Amory

Hill farmers in England and Wales already receive under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts, subsidies similar to those available in Scotland. My Department is keeping in close touch with the problems to which my hon. Friend refers and I will bear in mind his suggestion for consultation at the right time with the Hill Farming Advisory Committee. County Committees in upland districts have been reminded of their power to purchase fodder and supply it to farmers on credit; and have authority, in relation to the subsidies referred to, to waive the normal condition that part of the subsidy must be spent on improvements.

Sir I. Fraser

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the word "similar" means "the same"? Do hill farmers in England and Wales get the same amount of money?

Mr. Amory

In England and Wales they get at least as much as the Scots.

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