§ Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the number of applications for Farm Improvement Scheme grants received since 17th November 1965 compares with the number of such applications in each of the three previous years; and if he will state the value of such applications.
§ Mr. RossThe number of applications received from 17th November, 1965, to498W 28th February, 1966, was 1,255. Exactly comparable figures are not available for the three previous years, but the number of applications received from 1st November to 28th February in those years was as follows:
1962–63 1307 1963–64 1584 1964–65 1564 I regret that figures of the value of such applications are not available as costs are not assessed until proposals are approved.