§ 29. Sir. J. Duncanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that vouchers in payment of agricultural subsidies require the recipient to endorse his name over a 2d. stamp before payment is made, and that this is no longer necessary in view of the Cheques Act; and what action he proposes to take to bring this practice into accord with the law.
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Gaither)Most of the payments of agricultural subsidies are made by payable order drawn on H.M. Paymaster-General, and the provision of the Cheques Act, 1957, does not apply to these payable orders. It is still necessary for the recipient of a payable order to give a receipt over a 2d. stamp.
§ Sir J. DuncanMy hon. Friend said that most of the subsidies are paid in that way. Will he say which subsidies are and which are not?
§ Mr. GodberI think that this covers practically all the subsidies. There are certain local payments which are made by cheque.