HC Deb 29 January 1976 vol 904 cc290-1W
23. Mr. Bulmer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to take any action to help farmers who suffered severe damage in the recent gales.

Mr. Strang

My advisory staff are ready to give all the help they can to farmers facing difficulties as a result of the recent storms. In addition, grant aid is available under the Farm Capital Grant Scheme and the Farm and Horticulture Development Scheme for a number of items, including replacing and reconditioning farm buildings.

42. Mr. Banks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to assistance to glasshouse growers who have recently suffered damage to their buildings in the recent storms.

Mr. Strang

The Horticulture Capital Grant Scheme provides grants of up to 25 per cent. towards the eligible cost of replacing or reconditioning glasshouses and durable structures for cladding with plastic together with related equipment. Higher grants are available under the Farm and Horticulture Development Scheme in the context of approved development plans. In addition, we are considering a request for special assistance made by the NFU on behalf of the growers affected.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now considered the NFU's report on damage caused by the storm on 2nd January.

Mr. Strang

My officials have met representatives of the NFU and discussed reports received of the damage caused by the storm on 2nd January. We are considering a request for special assistance made by the NFU on behalf of the growers affected.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the Government's policy for ensuring that the loss of productive capacity, resulting from storm damage, particularly in the glasshouse sector, will be restored as quickly as possible.

Mr. Strang

I refer the hon. Member to the replies given earlier today to the hon. Members for Kidderminster (Mr. Bulmer) and Harrogate (Mr. Banks).

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