§ 3.5 p.m.
§ EARL DE LA WARRMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to introduce arrangements for paying farm improvement grants on the basis of standard costs, since this will be of particular benefit to farmers using their own labour.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)My Lords, regulations for this purpose have been made and are being laid before Parliament to-day. They will come into operation on the 21st April. From that date it will be possible for a wide range of improvements and part improvements to be accepted for grant aid on the basis of either actual or standard costs at the option of the applicant.