HL Deb 24 November 1982 vol 436 cc968-70WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state for each 12-month period between October and September for the years 1978–79 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82:

  1. (i) the total number of applications for farm capital grants;
  2. (ii) the total amount of money claimed by applicants for farm capital grants, expressed in 1982 prices;
  3. (iii) the total amount of grant-aid paid to applicants for farm capital grants, expressed in 1982 prices;
  4. (iv) the total number of applications for farm capital grants received in respect of work completed more than (a) one year, (b) two years, (c) five years, and (d) 20 years before the date of application for grant.

Earl Ferrers

I regret that some of the information requested is either not available or not available in the form requested. However, the following United Kingdom figures may be of interest:

  1. (i) the total number of claims for farm capital grants received was:
    2. 1978–79 145,467
    1979–80 174,057
    1980–81 140,992
    1981–82 161,719
  2. (ii) the total amount of money claimed is not available;
  3. (iii) the total amount of grant paid, expressed in 1982 prices, was:
    4. 1978–79 £million 202.3
    1979–80 £million 221.3
    1980–81 £million 165.4
    1981–82 £million 208.9
    969
  4. (iv) we do not record the date of completion of work on which grant is claimed. Most claims are presented soon after work has been done and the bills have been paid. Since 9th July 1982 claims in respect of work carried out before 1st February 1980 are not eligible for grant.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that since the abolition of the prior approval system for farm capital grants in October 1980, grants are:

  1. (i) paid under a "standard costs" system even if the actual costs incurred by the farmer were lower than standard and that farmers are not required to produce any receipts for the actual materials used;
    2. 970
  2. (ii) paid on the basis of the current cost of the work regardless of when the work was carried out or the costs actually incurred.

Earl Ferrers

Standard costs have existed for many years. They were continued when the current capital grant schemes were introduced in October 1980. They are intended chiefly for the farmer who wishes to do the work himself, and are based on the average cost of materials and the statutory agricultural wage.

Applicants have the choice of claiming grant on the basis of their actual expenditure, in which case the claim has to be supported by the appropriate vouchers, or standard costs for which no vouchers are required. Claims made on standard costs are paid grant on the cost in force on the date of the claim. The current rates of standard costs were introduced in May 1981.