HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 cc229-30
29. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent protests he has received from representative farmers in Scotland about the reduction in marginal aid production grants.

Mr. Leburn

Representations recently received from the Caithness Area of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland were answered by a letter from my right hon. Friend's Department to which the hon. Member may have seen reference in the Press. I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that there is general dissatisfaction among the farmers of Scotland at the way the Government are whittling down the M.A.P. grant? This year £70,000 less is being paid. Much more was paid in previous years. Are the Government now whittling away the M.A.P. grant so that the money can be spent on obsolete armaments?

Mr. Leburn

No, Sir. I think that my hon. Friend made it clear in a letter he sent to the president of the National Farmers' Union on 18th August that the needs of the farms that have been receiving M.A.P. assistance will be kept under review to see how far, in the light of other forms of assistance made available since the inception of the M.A.P. scheme, the number of farms that continue to receive such assistance can be progressively reduced.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of this reply, and the discontent among the farmers of Scotland, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.