HL Deb 21 June 1976 vol 372 cc117-9

7.48 p.m.

Lord STRABOLGI rose to move, That the Horticulture Capital Grant (Variation) Scheme 1976, laid before the House on 26th May, be approved. The noble Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move that the Horticulture Capital Grant (Variation) Scheme 1976, which was laid before this House on 26th May, be approved. The Horticulture Capital Grant Scheme plays an important part in the Government's policy of encouraging growers to increase productivity through improved efficiency. In addition to these capital grants, growers benefit from the research and advice available from the advisory services of the Agricultural Departments.

My Lords, the main changes proposed in this variation Scheme are contained in the Schedule. First, it is proposed that growers of cane fruit be eligible for a grant of 15 per cent. on the provision, replacement or improvement of stakes and wirework needed to grow their crops. The most important crop in this group is raspberries and some 80 per cent. of these are grown in Scotland. Growers of loganberries and blackberries would also benefit from the new arrangements. Secondly, grant is extended to the provision of water supply to open fields. This is a logical extension of the existing arrangements and fixed (permanent) pipelines would he eligible for a grant of 25 per cent. Irrigation equipment at the point of delivery is already eligible for a grant of 15 per cent.

Thirdly, it is proposed that the very detailed and specific list of eligible plant and equipment in Schedule 1 of the principle Scheme be replaced by more general descriptions. It is not intended thereby to extend the grant to equipment for use in other areas than at present; but the removal of references to specific equipment avoids any unnecessary restriction on the grant aiding of newly developed machinery. The remaining changes to the original Scheme are relatively minor and are intended to bring it into line with Amendments to the other capital grant schemes. These involve an increase in the limit of expenditure, metrication of the eligibility criteria, the ending of grants for hedge grubbing as a separate operation, provision for the receipt of claims when the Scheme ends and a change in the definition of labour unit. My Lords, I commend this variation Scheme to your Lordships.

Moved, That the Horticulture Capital Grant (Variation) Scheme 1976, laid before the House on 26th May, be approved.—(Lord Strabolgi.)

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, the House will indeed be grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Strabolgi, for introducing this variation Scheme, especially in view of the fact that it is aimed at increasing productivity and following the Government's programme as set out in the White Paper Food from our Own Resources. This is a non-controversial matter of the first order, it being concerned with food production, and we congratulate the Government on bringing forward this small measure in that it helps towards the target set for horticulture, which I understand is a 5 per cent. increase by 1980. It is noteworthy that no fewer than 10,000 applications were received between January 1974 and March 1976 for a total investment in horticulture of no less than £27.5 million, which would expect to incur a grant of £2.4 million. One especially welcome feature of this Scheme is in regard to water supply and the industry will undoubtedly be glad to hear that a grant of 25 per cent. is to be awarded to permanent pipework, which is in addition to the 15 per cent. on equipment which has already been granted in this connection. In thanking the noble Lord for bringing this to our attention, it is fair to say that it is all part of the Capital Grant Structure Scheme and that this is the third of the trio.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for the welcome he has given this Scheme and for his constructive speech.

On Question, Motion agreed to.