HC Deb 02 March 1966 vol 725 cc1292-3
45. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement, giving figures up to the latest convenient date, on the extent to which the grants made available to horticultural growers under the Agriculture and Horticulture Act, 1964, are being taken up.

Mr. Hoy

The response to these grants continues to be encouraging. During the 18 months between 1st July, 1964, when the current Horticulture Improvement Scheme came into force, and 31st December, 1965, growers made almost as many applications as they made during the whole of the four years' life of the 1960 scheme. As the statistics of the various grants are complex I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Blaker

While the Minister's reply confirms that the growers welcome the aid provided under Conservative legislation,

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1965
Horticulture Improvement Scheme Horticultural Production Businesses Horticultural Producers' Co-operative Marketing Businesses Total Monthly Average
Number of applications received:
(i) Under 1960 Scheme to 30.6.64 7,861 165 8,026 157
(ii) Under 1964 Scheme from 1.7.64 to 31.12.65 7,472 83 7,555 420
(iii) Total 15,333 248 15,581
Number of applications approved 12,224 200 12,424
Estimated cost of approved proposals expected to qualify for one-third grant £14.2 million £1.7 million £15.9 million
Estimated cost of proposals under consideration £1.2 million £0.4 million £1.6 million