§ Mr. Watsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the delays in payment of the grants by the Agricultural Lime Department; that some producers have to wait for 12 months or more without payment of the State grant; and if he will take steps to see that the Lime Department acts with greater promptitude.
Mr. JohnstonI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the payment of Exchequer grant made to lime producers in approved cases towards the cost incurred by them in purchasing and installing plant for the production of ground limestone for agriculture. Though some generalised allegations of delay in the payment of such grants have come to my notice I have not been informed of any specific case which would enable me to have inquiry made, but if my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me details of any particular cases he has in mind, I will inquire into them.