§ Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will state expenditure on each separate production grant directly linked to beef production in the years 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66 and 1966–67; and whether he will estimate total payments of beef production in respect of all other non-specific grants, including farm improvement grants, in those years.
§ Mr. John MackieThe following is the expenditure under United Kingdom grant and subsidy schemes directly linked to beef production:
Dr. Willesden, the regional veterinary officer for the North of England, at a recent meeting of veterinary officers questioned those officers who carry out duties in the Berwick-upon-Tweed division as to whether they had been in contact with their Member of Parliament, the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed.
§ Mr. PeartDr. Wilsdon has informed my Chief Veterinary Officer that he has not asked his Divisional Veterinary Officers about their contact with the hon. Member.
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§ Viscount Lambtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether regional veterinary officers of his Department are empowered to question veterinary officers within their district as to whether or not they have had contact with their Member of Parliament.
§ Mr. PeartIn view of my Answer to the previous Question, this question does not arise. It would, however, be within the authority of any of my officers to ask his staff about their contacts on matters concerning official business either with Members of Parliament or with anyone else.