§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture what quantity of lime has been purchased by farmers since the subsidy scheme commenced to operate; what measures were taken to ensure that such lime was not used for building or other purposes; and how many complaints have been received on this account?
§ Mr. W. S. Morrison:Since the Land Fertility Scheme came into operation, applications have been received from occupiers of agricultural land in the United Kingdom for contribution in respect of 944,900 tons of lime purchased by them. To ensure that lime purchased under the scheme was actually applied to agricultural land, the Agriculture Act, 1937, provided for the imposition of severe penalties for misuse of such lime. As a check, visits of inspection are made by officers of the Department of Agriculture. No cases of misuse have been discovered and no complaints have been re-received that lime in respect of which contribution has been made has been used irregularly for building or other purposes.