§ 23. Mr. John Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on assistance to growers in grubbing old orchards.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Hoy)The Government's policy is to encourage by means of grants the clearance of orchards on agricultural land which have outlived their usefulness, especially those which harbour pests and diseases and produce poor quality fruit.
§ Mr. WellsCan the hon. Gentleman give us some indication of his further policy on grants in respect of this matter, instead of merely saying that he hopes to encourage it? Can he give a cash figure, especially in view of the disappointing Written Answer we had from him about the decline in the blackcurrant acreage, when we had hoped that there would have been a greater production than there was last year?
§ Mr. HoyThe grants amount to one-third of the cost. This public contribution to the solving of the problem seems to be having an effect. We would perhaps like things to move more quickly, but it is not an insubstantial grant.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsHow has this scheme worked out during the last year?
§ Mr. HoyIt has not been going for that length of time, but we would like it to speed up a little. In certain areas 549 our officers have encouraged people to proceed more speedily.
§ Mr. WebsterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these orchards are in Somerset and Devon, which are dairy counties, and that it will be helpful if something can be done for farmers there who rely on dairy milk?
§ Mr. HoyWe are aware of the problems. That is why the grants are paid. In certain areas further action might be necessary. I can assure the hon. Member that it has not been overlooked.