§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the number of heated glasshouses that will go out of production due to the subsidy on oil not being extended after 31st December 1974; and if he will take steps to prevent such a situation from arising.
§ Mr. StrangI would expect some growers to have difficulty in adapting to the increase in their costs which will result from the cessation of the fuel oil subsidy which they are currently receiving. But other sectors have had to face similar fuel price increases without the benefit of a transitional subsidy and I am unable in the present circumstances, to reconsider the original decision not to pay the subsidy after 31st December 1974.