HC Deb 14 February 1957 vol 564 c1440
54. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now able to make a statement on long-term improvement grants amplifying Command Paper 23.

Mr. Amory

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Rippon) on 12th February and to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. J. E. B. Hill) on 30th January.

Mr. Jeger

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many farmers would be anxious to start preliminary work, which perhaps would qualify for grant, if they knew what grant they would receive? Does he not agree that it is essential they should get their information while builders are ready and available to start the work?

Mr. Amory

I should like to repeat what I have said already, that farmers and landowners must be very careful to acquaint themselves with the replies I have given, because no grant will be payable on any work which has been undertaken and started prior to authorisation after the passing of the legislation.

Mr. Willey

In view of the obvious difficulties arising from the announcement of the policy and its implementation, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will expedite the introduction of the Bill?

Mr. Amory

I am very anxious that the Bill should be introduced at the earliest possible moment for the reasons the hon. Gentleman knows very well.