§ 56 and 57. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how much of the funds allocated to the Horticulture Improvement Scheme, 1966, has been paid out in grants;
(2) what percentage of the grants made under the Horticulture Improvement Scheme, 1966, has been allocated to horticultural glass.
§ Mr. HoyThe Agriculture and Horticulture Act, 1964, limits to a maximum of £27 million the grants which may be made under several heads including the Horticulture Improvement Scheme. Since grants began in 1960, a total of some £17 million has been committed, including about £15½ million under the successive Horticulture Improvement Schemes. Of this, some £8½ million has been approved since the introduction of the current Scheme in 1966, over 60 per cent. being in respect of glasshouses and their equipment.
§ 58. Mr. John Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of horticultural glass now standing that has been built since the introduction 298W of the Horticulture Improvement Scheme.
§ Mr. HoyNone, in the form requested. This information will be sought in a special glasshouse inquiry to be made next month.
§ 59. Mr. John Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many non-British nationals or companies controlled by non-British nationals have applied for grants under the Horticulture Improvement Scheme in the last 12 months, and during the last convenient period; and what percentage of the total sum this represents.
§ Mr. HoyWe do not inquire into the nationality of applicants since it is not one of the conditions of the Horticulture Improvement Scheme as approved by Parliament.