§ 28. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has withdrawn financial aid from the Scottish Milk Records Association; and whether, in view of the contribution made by milk recording to the efficiency of the dairy industry, he will restore the grant.
§ Mr. MaclayThe decision, which was taken in 1955, to run down this grant progressively over a period of four years ending March, 1960, was in line with general Government policy that grants of this nature should provide an initial impetus for the activity concerned rather than give it permanent support.
While recognising the importance of milk recording, I could not agree to the restoration of the grant.
§ Mr. BrewisIs my right hon. Friend aware that in England and Northern Ireland grants are made for this purpose? Is he not aware that in the Rhins of Galloway the cost of milk recording has nearly doubled in the last few years, with the result that far fewer farmers are now recording? Will he have another look at the matter?
§ Mr. MaclayI cannot add to my reply. My hon. Friend will realise that the termination of this grant was discussed in 1955 and it was as a result of those discussions that it was decided to taper off the grant for four years and enable the Association to adjust itself to the new situation.
§ Mr. ManuelIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain Scottish counties are among the foremost in the world in their production of dairy produce and milk from tuberculosis-free herds? Surely he is not arguing that in this connection we should have a status lower than that of England or Northern Ireland. Surely we should retain what we have and not throw it away as though it were worth nothing.
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Gentleman is quite wrong in interpreting my Answer in that way. The Answer does not affect the general record of T.T. production in Scotland.