§ 11. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the amount of grant paid during the last twelve months for water supplies, drainage and road works; and how many farms were concerned.
Mr. AmoryDuring the twelve months ended 28th February, 1957, field drainage grants totalling£1,840,234 were paid on 27,834 schemes. Farm water supply grants totalling£591,392 were paid on 8,520 schemes, and grants of£23,881 and£77,954 for drainage and water supply, respectively, were paid under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts During the same period grants for road works totalled£49,217 under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts, and marginal production assistance for road repairs is estimated at£154,000. These figures are for England and Wales. I regret that the numbers of farms concerned are not available.
In addition, grants are paid to statutory water undertakers for extending public water mains to predominantly agricultural areas, and to river boards and internal drainage boards for arterial drainage work.
§ Mr. CrouchMay I ask my right hon. Friend how these grants compare with those of previous years? Does he think that as a result of this expenditure we shall have some further increase of production from the farms concerned?
Mr. AmoryI must ask my hon. Friend for notice regarding the answer to the first part of his supplementary question. I confidently expect an increase in production.
Mr. T. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the difference for drainage grants between the last twelve months and the previous twelve months?