HC Deb 05 November 1956 vol 558 c1924
8. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the effect of the extra subsidy given on lime applied to farm land in the summer months.

Mr. Amory

Wet weather and delayed harvesting interfered with summer liming. It is estimated that summer consumption was lower than last year's high record but greater than in the wet year of 1954 and much higher than it was in years when there was no summer subsidy.

Mr. Hurd

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, with all this extra subsidy given in the summer, we are getting a much better distribution of lime throughout the year and more economical working?

Mr. Amory

I am quite certain that is the result. I agree with my hon. Friend that the summer subsidies have had a marked effect and, I think, have been very much to the advantage of our grassland.