§ 58. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture the current annual cost of the fertiliser subsidy; what procedure is adopted in settling the rates of subsidy to ensure that the greatest possible degree of economy in production and distribution of fertilisers is obtained by the manufacturers; and how the rate of improved efficiency in the fertiliser industry compares with the rate of improved efficiency in the agricultural industry.
Mr. AmoryThe annual cost of the fertiliser subsidy is between £12 and £13 million. Payments of subsidy are related to the amount of fertilisers purchased by the farmer and do not involve control over fertiliser production and distribution. I am unable to make the comparison of efficiency for which my hon. Friend asks.