HC Deb 26 July 1967 vol 751 cc723-4
29 Mr. James Davidson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to restrict the payment of grants under Sections 26 to

Mr. John Mackie

No, Sir. Grant under Section 27 is already restricted to people giving up uncommercial farms. But to put the restriction suggested by the hon. Member on grant under Section 26 would discourage the relinquishment of many uncommercial farms where the only amalgamation possible is with a farm of commercial size. No grant is paid under Sections 28 and 29.

Mr. Davidson

Perhaps, then, the Minister will tell me if I am wrong in my interpretation of the Act that there is nothing to prevent a man with, say, 1,000 acres obtaining the amalgamation grant for absorbing a smallholding of 40 acres when a neighbouring smallholder with, perhaps, 60 acres is in the market for the same holding?

Mr. Mackie

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the scheme is voluntary and there is nothing to prevent the situation being as he puts it.