HC Deb 14 February 1961 vol 634 c1225
18. Sir C. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average length of time between the receipt of an application for a grant under the farm improvement scheme and its final approval or rejection.

Mr. Maclay

Usually about two months, but at present it is taking longer in some areas because the investigation of applications has been held up by foot-and-mouth disease restrictions.

Sir C. Thornton-Kemsley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is quite a common thing for farmers to say that they are going to get on with the work themselves because it takes so long for the grants to be approved? Can something be done to speed up the procedure?

Mr. Maclay

Certainly, everything possible will be done to make the procedure as quick as we can make it. If my hon. Friend will send me any details, I shall certainly look into them.