HC Deb 25 March 1974 vol 871 c14W
Mr. MacGregor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received the Joint Report of his Department and the National Farmers' Union Horticulture Committee into the glasshouse industry in relation to fuel oil costs and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchan

There is no joint report as such. We are, however, urgently considering the facts presented by our officials after discussions with the National Farmers' Union and will announce our decision when we have completed this consideration.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a capital grant scheme to enable British glasshouse users to convert from oil to natural gas.

Mr. Buchan

Grants for this purpose are already available under the Farm and Horticulture Development Scheme and the Horticulture Capital Grant Scheme.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a heavy fuel oil subsidy for British glasshouse producers.

Mr. Buchan

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply I gave on 21st March to my hon. Friend the Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk).—[Vol. 870, c.138.]

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