§ 3.36 p.m.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN) rose to move, That the Draft Fertilisers (England, Wales and Scotland) Scheme, 1955, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Tuesday last, be approved. The noble Earl said: My Lords, with your Lordships' permission I will explain the purpose of both these Schemes together. They both extend for another year the financial help towards the cost of fertilisers used on agricultural land which was first begun in 1952. The two current Schemes expire to-night. The arrangements for paying this subsidy will continue as before, but we are proposing that the rate should be increased to implement the settlement at this year's Annual Review. It was then agreed that as from July 1 an additional £3½ million should be devoted to this subsidy. The rates are being increased from 16 per cent. to 26 per cent. for nitrogenous fertilisers, and from 32 per cent. to 36 per cent. for phosphatic fertilisers. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Draft Fertilisers (England, Wales and Scotland) Scheme, 1955, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Tuesday last be approved.—(Earl St. Aldwyn.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.