§ 9. Mr. John Home Robertsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to increase the application of lime on farmland in England and Wales.
§ Mr. WigginThe application of lime qualifies for grant aid under the capital grant schemes when it is part of a grassland regeneration programme. Grants of up to 50 per cent. are available on hill land. We have no plans to introduce a further subsidy.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonWill the Minister give consideration to the reintroduction of a lime subsidy, especially for the less favoured areas of Britain? Is he aware that there is clear evidence of a major reduction in the use of lime in those areas, which is increasing soil acidity, and could cause long-term damage? Is he further aware that farming in those areas has been especially badly hit by the collapse of farming income which has resulted from the Government's policies?
§ Mr. WigginI share the hon. Gentleman's view that lime is an especially valuable fertiliser. I deplore the drop in its use, especially in Scotland. I do not know that it would be the best use of limited Government resources to give a subsidy to that cause, rather than to the many other attractive options. I cannot give him any assurances. He knows that the Government have done a great deal for the hill farmer, and it is on the hills that lime is most useful.