§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will cease to provide grant for agricultural changes when an adjoining landowner, or a future adjoining landowner, has, or would have, cause to object to such changes and to secure reinstatement of any feature removed; and if he will provide grant to help meet the cost of such reinstatement.
§ Mrs. FennerIt is for the claimant for grant to ensure that he is not infringing the rights of an adjoining landowner. If the latter believes that his rights have been infringed then it is open to him to seek redress in the courts. In cases of infringement which come to my notice I would have to consider withholding or reclaiming grant.
The farm capital grant schemes provides assistance towards a wide range of capital investments for agricultural businesses. Provided all the requirements of the schemes were met, an investment made for the purposes of reinstatement would be eligible for grant.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks are made by his Department to ensure that grant is not paid towards the cost of agricultural works which are either directly unlawful or which could give cause for the person or persons receiving such grant being sued for damages as a result of such works.
§ Mrs. FennerAs I have previously explained to the hon. Member, it is a condition of grant that claimants must meet all relevant statutory and other obligations. All claims for grant are checked but it is impractical for us to ensure that all claims comply in all respects with all obligations. If, however, it comes to my notice that there has been a breach I may withhold or recover grant as appropriate.