§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the use of lime in Scotland; and what recommendations his Department has made to Scottish farmers on this subject.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations, mainly from farmers' organisations, recommending the reintroduction of the lime subsidy. The correct application of lime remains a good business investment. Most farmers recognise this, but every opportunity is taken, and will continue to be taken, through the advisory services of the colleges of agriculture, to remind them of the need to carry out adequate liming programmes.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the effects of the withdrawal of lime subsidy in Scotland; what estimates he now has of current national lime usage; and if he will reintroduce the lime subsidy immediately.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownInformation about the use of lime on Scottish farms is obtained from a field inquiry carried out by my Department and from information obtained from the advisory services of the colleges of agriculture. The field inquiry shows a significant drop in lime usage in the first six months of 1977 compared with the corresponding periods in 1975, and 1976. There was, however, a substantial increase in the uptake of lime when the intention to end the subsidy was 681W announced, and it is too early to assess the long-term effect of its withdrawal. There are no plans to reintroduce the lime subsidy. Grants towards the application of lime are, however, still available under the capital grants and crofting grants schemes.