§ 56. Mr Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the increase in costs of tile draining an acre of agricultural land in the last five years; and what extra assistance has been made available to farmers carrying out land drainage.
§ Mr. John MackieIn England and Wales the average cost per acre has risen from £35 in 1961–62 to £42 in 1965–66. I am informed that in Scotland the corresponding figures are £44 and £55. Field drainage grants cover half the cost of approved schemes and the Exchequer has, therefore, borne half the increase.
1712 In addition, the Agriculture Bill which was recently before the House proposes a supplement of 10 per cent. for the drainage of hill land.
§ Mr. BrewisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the keeping of land in good heart is very important, but that in the Review his right hon. Friend has found it necessary to cut the fertiliser subsidy and the ploughing grant? Will he consider whether more assistance towards drainage would be a good thing in a future Review?
§ Mr. MackieI agree with the hon. Member that one of the best things to do in farming is to keep the land in good order by drainage and using fertilisers. An average of 50 per cent. in drainage grant is, however, very good, and in hill areas the figure can be a little more with the 10 per cent. supplement, which, I am sure, will help the areas of which the hon. Member is thinking.