HC Deb 06 March 1968 vol 760 cc434-5
38. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for farm improvement grant arising out of the recent storm damage have been received by his Department; and how many of these have been approved or provisionally approved.

Mr. Buchan

At 29th February, 1,780 applications had been received. In 486 cases, approval or provisional authority has been given.

Mr. Stodart

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in the situation of some stress that exists, competitive estimates are still being insisted upon? Are these being obtained in reasonable time, considering the great burden being placed on tradesmen?

Mr. Buchan

As I have said to the hon. Gentleman before, we are applying the formal rules very leniently, sympathetically and flexibly. I hope he will leave it at that.

Mr. W. Baxter

Can my hon. Friend give some indication of how the Government are proposing to treat smallholders outwith the ambit of the Government's scheme for agricultural undertakings? Many of these people are almost out of business because of the terrific damage done to their properties.

Mr. Buchan

If my hon. Friend will give me specific examples of hardship of the kind he has in mind I will certainly look at them rapidly and sympathetically.