§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to speed up the rate of dealing with and approving applications for grants under the Farm Improvement Scheme, in view of the present considerable delays which are holding up the farmers at the time of year when it is most convenient for them to get ahead with actual improvements.
§ Mr. John HareIn England and Wales, up to the end of February, just over two-thirds of the 24,500 applications received had either been formally decided 5W or were ready for approval subject, in some cases, to the production of satisfactory plans, specifications and tenders by the applicants. This shows that no unreasonable delay is occurring. I am, however, taking steps to speed up action in those counties where the volume of work is greater than had been expected.