§ 16. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the hardship caused to many farmers by the withdrawal of the investment grants on tractors and self-propelled harvesters, if he will reconsider his decision to discontinue these grants.
§ Mr. BuchanNo, Sir. In our view, the money involved in these grants could be used to better effect in the new Farm Capital Grants Scheme.
§ Mr. MackenzieIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many farmers are finding it difficult to replace old implements at this stage and that the system has been a great help? Will he bear this in mind in considering the annual price review?
§ Mr. BuchanWe bore these things in mind at the time and we shall bear them in mind in the future.
§ Mr. StodartIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that after the most careful consideration in Committee the Government side showed such little enthusiasm for this particular proposal to abolish the investment grant for tractors and combine harvesters that they failed to turn up to vote for the Government and were defeated. Will he take note of this?
§ Mr. BuchanHon. Members opposite should not anticipate what Parliament will eventually decide in this matter. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] The hon. Member should know the forms and procedures of this House. Discussions in Committee still have to come to the Floor of the House. I am not responsible for the irresponsible fun and games indulged in by hon. Members opposite in Committee.