HC Deb 28 February 1968 vol 759 cc1401-2
34. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated number and proportion of claims for investment grants on tractors and self-propelled harvesters under the Agriculture Act, 1967, which he has referred back to applicants a first time and a second or more times; and whether he will list the main reasons for such references back.

Mr. John Mackie

The information is not available in the detailed form requested but in recent months roughly 30 per cent. of all applications have given rise to some form of inquiry, including those resolved by a telephone call. The main reasons for inquiries appear to be failure by applicants to supply the information requested on the application form, and claims for amounts in excess of manufacturers' recommended prices.

Mr. Hill

Is not this procedure so ridden with paper work that it is misemploying costly extra Ministry staff and, what is worse, preventing farmers who have limited office facilities from getting down to such important work as cost analyses and farm efficiency studies?

Mr. Mackie

I do not agree with that. I have a copy of the form before me. It is a fairly simple one, and it would not take a lot of time or intelligence to fill it in.

Mr. Stodart

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that, far from being a simple form, it is anything but? Will he say what advice is given to farmers as to where the forms can be obtained when they wish to apply for grant? Under the old investment allowance, it was simple, but many farmers now do not know where to apply for forms?

Mr. Mackie

As a member of the farming industry, I have never found it difficult to discover where a form can be obtained which will bring me in some money. We have made it clear where these forms are to be obtained. If any hon. Gentleman can point out to me a question on the form which is difficult to answer, I will be glad to help him.