§ 17. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has completed his review of the Lime Subsidies (Scotland) Scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossYes, Sir. Officials of the Agricultural Departments, in consultation with representatives of users, producers and distributors of lime, have conducted a comprehensive review of the Agricultural Lime Scheme, 1964, which is applicable throughout the United Kingdom. A draft amending Order is now in course of preparation and will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MonroI thank the Secretary of State for that Answer. Will he ensure that this Order is laid as soon as possible, because in my constituency a lime quarry has had to close, causing unemployment? Speed is of great importance.
§ Mr. RossYes. We hope that it will be laid before the Summer Recess. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the Order is related to agriculture and the first thing is to consider the needs of agriculture. We have not overlooked the needs of the other interests, of the producers in all areas, including the hon. Gentleman's.