§ 26. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will propose alternative ways of assisting the horticulture industry following the cancellation of the oil subsidy.
§ Mr. Strang:The temporary fuel oil subsidy for growers of protected crops ran its intended course throughout 1974. It was made clear from the outset that growers must adjust to the new level of oil prices.
§ 44. Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect on horticultural products he estimates will flow from the ending of the oil subsidy.
§ Mr. Strang:I do not think that the termination of the temporary fuel oil 483W subsidy on 31st December 1974 as originally intended itself affected horticultural production. The subsidy provided growers of protected crops with a breathing space during which they could replan their production and marketing strategies to take account of the increases in fuel oil costs. Because of these increases, some reduction in the early heated crop seems probable.