§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the approximate total value of the 1972 Annual Price Review in added guarantees to Welsh farmers;
(2) what is his estimate of the approximate monetary loss to Welsh farmers by the changes in fertiliser grants made in the 1972 Review.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe value to Welsh farmers of the measures taken following the 1972 Annual Review is estimated to be of the order of £4 to £5 million net, but a precise assessment cannot be given mainly because some Welsh fatstock are marketed outside Wales. This figure402W Accounts Office to be included in the Notes to the Estimates for the Legal Aid Fund and over the years 1969–73 these are:
allows for a reduction of rather more than £1 million in fertiliser subsidy payments following their replacement by higher end prices and higher rates of grant under the Winter Keep Scheme and Horticulture Improvement Scheme. It excludes the indirect effect of higher fatstock guarantees on prices received by Welsh farmers for store animals and breeding stock.