§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase in fuel charges has resulted for Scottish agriculture as a result of the Suez crisis and devaluation; and what proportion heating costs represent in relation to their total production costs giving separate figures for glass growers.
§ Mr. RossIt is estimated that for a full year the increased fuel costs to Scottish agriculture and horticulture arising from the Suez crisis and devaluation will be about £400,000. Heating costs are estimated to represent less than 0.5 per cent. of total farming costs and about 25 per cent. of total glasshouse production costs. Heating costs in the glasshouse sector vary considerably, however, as between individual growers according to the crops grown, the type of fuel used and other factors.