§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What grants are currently available to farmers for capital expenditure and 868WA whether these include aid to the construction of intensive animal husbandry units.
Earl FERRERSThe Farm Capital Grant Scheme, the Farm and Horticulture Development Scheme and the Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation Scheme provide grants towards capital expenditure on agricultural investment. None of the schemes provides grants for egg or poultry production. Grants for pig enterprises are subject to conditions which mean that few, if any, intensive holdings can qualify. Where grant is sought on buildings to house cattle, sheep or pigs, such buildings are approved for grant only if they comply with the Codes of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock.