§ 5. Sir J. Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will adopt the English practice in Scotland of paying grant-aid for drainage, water supplies and similar work direct to contractors and thus relieving small farmers of the burden of finding the whole cost of such improvements, part of which is repayable by grant to them at the present time.
§ Lord John HopeIt is the normal practice in Scotland to pay the grant to the farmer, but at his request it may be paid direct to the contractor.
§ Sir J. DuncanWould it not be a very great help to the small farmer if the payments could be made in all cases to the contractor as that would save the small farmer having to raise the capital, pay for the full cost of the improvement and get it back afterwards? Does my noble Friend recollect that in the Farm Prices Review the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said he would do something for the small farmer? Might this not be one of the things he could do?
§ Lord John HopeYes, Sir. This point, among others, is being considered in that context.