§ Sir F. Macleanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers in England are at present in receipt of hill sheep subsidy; and what sums were paid to them during the last financial year.
§ Mr. HoyThe hill sheep subsidy was extended in 1967 so that the number of farmers eligible in England at present is about 8,500. It is estimated that they 25W will qualify for subsidy of some £1½ million in respect of sheep on farms at 1st December, 1967, of which about £.500,000 has been paid in the financial year 1967–68. Total payments during that year have been about £1 million. Because payments have been delayed by foot-and-mouth disease these figures should not be regarded as representative.