§ 70. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors have caused the expected saving on grants to small farmers of £1,065,000 as shown in the Supplementary Estimate.
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§ Mr. GodberThe original provision was made before the Schemes came into operation and was based on the estimated rate of inflow of applications and of the approval of plans. In England and Wales the rate of approval of plans under the main Scheme has been most encouraging and is likely to exceed the estimate. However, the number of applications approved under the Supplementary Scheme in England and Wales, and under both the main Scheme and the Supplementary Scheme in Northern Ireland has been less than expected.
§ 71. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors have caused the expected saving on grants for farm improvements and amalgamations of £200,000 as shown in the Supplementary Estimate.
§ Mr. GodberIt is not easy to estimate precisely what claims for payment on approved schemes will be made and settled in a given period. The expected saving, which is only 3½ per cent. of the total estimate, would result from claims for grant in Northern Ireland being received and settled more slowly than was anticipated a year ago.