§ Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the light of the suspension 103W of the dedication and related grant schemes to new applicants, he will now announce arrangements for an interim scheme of forestry grants.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartYes. Consultations on new long-term arrangements are continuing, and my right hon. Friends are satisfied that a temporary measure of this kind would be appropriate. The Forestry Commission has therefore been authorised to consider applications for assistance in respect of approved planting up to and including the 1973–74 planting season, which is not eligible for grant under the schemes to which my hon. Friend refers. Assistance will take the form of a grant for planting only and will be at the rate of £23.18 per acre, payable in two instalments. Where planting has not yet started, payment will be subject to prior approval of the planting proposals by the Forestry Commission. Comparable planting already undertaken since 28 th June 1972 may also be approved for payment if evidence can be provided to enable the claim to be verified. The closing date for receipt of applications under this temporary scheme will be 31st December 1973 or the date of introduction of long-term arrangements, whichever is the earlier.