HC Deb 31 March 1965 vol 709 cc1647-8
25. Mr. George Y. Mackie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are now to be taken to remove the difficulties for Scottish lime producers in the present lime subsidy scheme.

Mr. John Mackie

Representations by Scottish lime producers about the provisions of the Lime Scheme relating to lime imported into Scotland are being considered as part of the general review of the working of the Scheme so far which my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State now have in hand. All the interests concerned, including the farmers to whose benefit the subsidy is directed, are being consulted by us. Any changes arising out of the review will be incorporated in amendments to the Scheme which will be required in any case to give effect to the reduction in this subsidy decided at the Annual Review. The necessary instrument will be laid as soon as possible.

Mr. George Y. Mackie

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he has been reviewing this for some little time now, that Scottish producers of lime suffer from something like a 5s. disability compared with the English producers, and that this is no way to develop the north of Scotland or any other part? Can he say when this review is likely to result in action?

Mr. John Mackie

That was a pretty sour supplementary Question on lime.

Mr. Manuel

Quicklime.

Mr. John Mackie

We have not been reviewing it for any time at all. The review is actually tomorrow, so that answers the first and last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. As regards the middle part, the Lime Scheme, as he is well aware, is for the benefit of farmers and agricultural land. There were considerable abuses in the early scheme, and this flat-rate scheme was made to simplify the whole matter. It also added an element of competition to the supply and production of lime. I understand that the hon. Member's party is very keen on this element of competition, and I do not see why he should complain about it.

Mr. George Y. Mackie

I beg to give notice that, in view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.