§ Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that increased costs following the imposition of import surcharges largely eliminate, benefits received by horticultural producers from Horticultural Improvement Grants; and what remedial action he will take.
§ Mr. PeartMaterials liable to the import charge account for only a comparatively small proportion of the costs of horticultural production. One of the main objects of the grants provided by the Horticulture Act 1960 and the Agriculture and Horticulture Act 1964 is to help the industry to reduce costs by modernising equipment and adopting new techniques. It is open to those concerned to apply for grant at any time during the ten years from April 1964 and £24 million is available. The import charge is temporary and I cannot agree that its imposition has an effect in any way comparable with the value of the grants.