§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for farm improvement grants have been granted in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. RossThe information is given below:
FARM IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, SCOTLAND Farm Improvement Scheme Calendar year Number of applications approved Number of claims paid Amount of grant £000s 1965 … 4,947 5,263 1,620 1966 … 5,469 5,060 1,494 1967 … 5,667 6,057 1,862 1968 … 7,007* 5,822 1,658 1969 … 5,844 6,793 2,069 28,934 28,995 8,703 * This figure includes additional applications received following the exceptional gale of 14th/15th January, 1968.