§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give details of lime sales in Wales for the five years prior to the withdrawal of the lime subsidy, and in each subsequent year; and if he will make a statement. 236W population of Dyfed in the years 1968 to 1978; how these changes compare in real terms with the level of rate support grant in each of those years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alec Jones:The following is the information:
§ Mr. Alec Jones:No figures for total lime sales are available. The amount of lime subsidised under the agricultural lime scheme in Wales in the five years prior to the withdrawal of the subsidy was as follows:
Calendar year Thousand tons 1972 267 1973 286 1974 233 1975 222 1976 298 No figures are available for subsequent years.
The importance of lime and fertilisers in maintaining soil fertility is fully recognised and officers of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service are always ready to advise farmers. Grant aid is available for the use of lime under the farm capital grant scheme and the farm and horticultural development scheme.