§ 31. Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why farmers in the Abbotsley area are being refused improvement and production grants; and how long it is proposed to continue to refuse to pay such grants to them.
§ Mr. John MackieThe land at Abbotsley may be required for a reservoir. We have therefore deferred consideration of grants for long-term fixed capital investment there until a decision is taken.
§ Sir D. RentonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Great Ouse Water Board has made it clear that a reservoir is not likely to be needed in the Abbotsley area for 10 years? Does he propose to impede farming progress for the whole of that time?
§ Mr. MackieNo, Sir. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman's first statement is correct, the answer to his second point is "No".