HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc207-8
33. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what change is proposed in the policy of the Government as regards marginal subsidies and other measures designed to assist the poorer and more remote farms.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to marginal agricultural production schemes. The assistance given under the present schemes is under consideration but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Grimond

While it is under consideration, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is great need for capital assistance to these poorer farms, and that there is considerable anxiety in my constituency at the moment owing to the tendency which is believed there to exist for the Scottish Office to cut down on these grants.

Mr. Macpherson

Yes, Sir, that will be borne in mind. There is no foundation at all for the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.