§ Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the discussions about changes in the capital grant schemes referred to in paragraphs 49 and 50 of the White Paper on the 1974 annual review have yet been completed; and with what result.
§ Mr. MoyleYes. Discussions have taken place with farmers' and landowners' representatives. It has now been decided that the "sufficient livelihood" test for eligibility for the farm and horticulture capital grant schemes will in future be based on average earnings of male agricultural workers instead of the statutory minimum agricultural wage. The level of the test for Great Britain will be raised to £1,600 with effect from 1st May, 1974. The figure for Northern Ireland will be £1,112.
In future years the figure will be calculated on 1st January by reference to average annual earnings for the year ending the previous 30th September.
It has also been decided to raise from £100 to £200 the minimum qualifying level of expenditure under these schemes. This change will apply to applications received on or after 1st May 1974.
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