§ 18. Mr. Nichollsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the operation of the outgoers scheme as far as tenant fanners are concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingYes. Of the 4,826 applicants in England and Wales who originally expressed an interest in the scheme, approximately 40 per cent, were tenant farmers. So far 1,219 producers have accepted invitations to join the scheme. By the beginning of January some 540 producers had received their first year payments and 45 per cent. of these were tenants.
§ 27. Mr. Knoxasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress made on the outgoers scheme for dairy farmers.
§ Mr. JoplingTo date invitations have been sent to a total of 3,536 producers. By January 1,219 producers had decided to go out of production and they will, on a full year basis, surrender a total of 145 million litres. As other producers come to make their decisions, some will no doubt drop out thereby allowing offers to be made to others. I have no reason to suppose that we will not be able to reach our target of 289 million litres.