§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums have been paid in respect of farm capital grants for (a) farm buildings and (b) other purposes in each of the last four years for which figures are available in both cash and real terms.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerGrants on capital investment in agriculture are payable under two schemes: the agriculture and horticulture grants scheme—formerly the farm capital grant scheme—and the agriculture and horticulture development scheme—formerly the farm and horticulture development scheme. The grants paid in the calendar years 1977 to 1980 are shown under each scheme heading in the following table. They are available in cash terms only.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe average prices paid for all agricultural land sold in Northern Ireland for the period 1976 to 1979, and an index of these values in real terms—1977 = 100—are as follows. Information is not available on the average price of arable land only. Information is not yet complete for sales made during 1980 but the average price for the first three-quarters of the year is given.
Year £ per hectare Index of land prices in real terms 1977=100 1977 1,847 100 1978 2,618 131 1979 3,327 147 1980* 3,398 129 *First three-quarters only. The index of prices in real terms has been calculated by reference to changes in the retail price index.