Agricultural Lime Scheme

HC Deb 10 February 1965 vol 706 cc88-9W

Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many lime producers have applied for hearings under Article 9, section 11, of the Agricultural Lime Scheme of 1964; when the first applications were made; how many have been heard; whether he is satisfied with the functioning of the new Scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Mackie

To date the Department has received 13 applications by lime producers for hearings under paragraph 9(11) of the Agricultural Lime Scheme, 1964. The first was on 25th September last. Of this total, four applications have been withdrawn at various times since that date. There is some doubt as to whether a further six are to be pursued by the producers concerned. The remaining three are at present taken to be firm. The firs of these was originally put forward on 3rd November, and confirmed by the producer after correspondence on 16th December. None of these three has yet been heard, but arrangements for so doing are at an advanced stage. The Scheme came into effect on 1st August, 1964, and seems generally to be working satisfactorily. However, in accordance with earlier undertakings, the Department is consulting with the farmers' unions and the lime trade associations on the operation of the new Scheme so far; and a meeting with these organisations has already been arranged for 23rd February. It would be premature therefore to make any mo-e detailed statement until any views which may be expressed at that meeting have been considered.

		£ million
		United Kingdom	England and Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland
Total gross output*	…	1,651.4†	not available	178.6‡	115.9‡
Net farming income*	…	406.5	not available	not available	26.9
Grants and subsidies§	…	284	215	42	27
Notes:
* Estimates for the farm year beginning June, 1963, to May, 1964, for holdings over one acre.
† Forecases prepared at February, 1964.
‡ Gross output of Scotland and Northern Ireland includes store livestock and seeds sold to farmers elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The estimate of output for the United Kingdom as a whole is restricted to sales off the "national farm". It therefore excludes sales between farms in the United Kingdom of store livestock and seeds, and gross output for England and Wales cannot therefore be found by subtracting from the U.K. estimate those for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
§ Estimated cost of Exchequer support in financial year beginning 1st April, 1963 excluding administrative expenses and certain minor grants borne by the Exchequer of Northern Ireland. Certain subsidies lave had to be apportioned between countries.