§ 50. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications have been received for development grants under the Agriculture (Small Farmers) Act; how many have been approved; and what is the average sum involved.
§ Mr. John HareUp to 17th July, 18,938 applications had been received from farmers in England and Wales under the Small Farmer Scheme. 10,908 farmers have subsequently submitted8W farm business plans, of which 6,880 have so far been approved. The average amount of grant involved in plans approved up to the end of June is £692.
In addition, 2,018 applications under the Supplementary Scheme had been received up to 17th July in England and Wales, of which 1,529 have been approved. I am glad to say that progress has exceeded our most optimistic expectations and great credit is due to those administering the Scheme.