§ 29. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the capital investment in the agricultural industry for each of the years 1955, 1956, and 1957, respectively; and what steps he is taking to encourage further investment.
§ Mr. John HareFigures are available only for gross fixed investment. The United Kingdom totals for 1955 and 1956 were, respectively, £96 and £92 millions; for 1957 it seems likely that this investment will exceed £100 millions. Very substantial encouragement for investment in building and other works is provided by grant-aided schemes including the farm improvement scheme.
§ Mr. JohnsonCan the Minister say how those figures compare with those of former years, say, 1952 to 1954? Is he satisfied that we are spending enough money on new farm buildings, and can he assure the House that he will push on with farm improvement schemes, for which, I understand, he has a budget of £50 million for the next ten years?
§ Mr. HareYes, on the latter point. I have already told the hon. Member that I think that reasonable progress is being made with the farm improvements scheme. Without asking him to put down another Question, I will send him the figures for which he asks.