§ LORD TWEEDSMUIRMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they would be prepared to consider an emergency Price Review to help Scottish hill farmers.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)No, my Lords, but my Department is already carrying out, in conjunction with the National Farmers' Union of Scotland, and at its request, a special survey of the out-turn of the 1966 lamb crop in order to provide a full and accurate picture of the overall position.
§ LORD TWEEDSMUIRMy Lords, I am very much obliged to the noble Lord for his reply. I would ask him one further question. Could he give the House a general assurance that, during these difficult times through which hill farmers in Scotland are now passing, the payments of subsidies and deficiency payments will be expedited?
§ LORD HUGHESMy Lords, we are subject to certain statutory limitations, but we agree that it is desirable to pay the subsidy as soon as possible.