HC Deb 22 January 1975 vol 884 c348W
Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will restore the lime and fertiliser subsidies.

Mr. William Ross

The decision taken by the Conservative administration to terminate the lime subsidy was reversed by this Government in June 1974. The subsidy, therefore, continues. I do not think that the reintroduction of the fertiliser subsidy would be justified at present because of the high cost and because it would not be the best way of giving assistance to those farmers who may need it.