§ 69. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) on what grounds he refuses to entertain late claims for cereal deficiency payments even when there are reasonable grounds for such claims being submitted after 31st July;
(2) what steps his Department takes to inform farmers through county agricultural executive committees of the necessity of applying for cereal deficiency payments before 31st July.
§ Mr. GodberExperience in 1954–55, the first year of the Cereals Deficiency Payments Scheme, showed that it was10W essential to insist upon a firm closing date for the receipt of claims for deficiency payments on barley, oats and mixed corn. After consultation 31st July was chosen and it was decided that no claim would be accepted thereafter. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the requirement should be maintained in order that the checks required to safeguard public funds can be properly administered.
Following the recommendation of the Wilson Committee the County Agricultural Executive Committees have been relieved of the day-to-day work in connection with the Department's subsidy schemes but ample publicity is given to this closing date by other means. Growers are reminded of the closing date for the receipt of claims when the claim forms are sent out from headquarters in April. After the beginning of May and before the end of July the Ministry's divisional offices, to which the completed claims must be sent, send up to two reminders to registered growers who have not already claimed. In addition extensive publicity is arranged in the national, local and farming Press and through the B.B.C. The Ministry's regional organisation also assists as opportunity offers.