§ 7. Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now consider instituting a lime subsidy for all agricultural areas in Scotland without limitation, in view of the present condition of the land in many farming communities.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce a general lime subsidy. Such a measure would be contrary to the European Community rules on State aid. He is nevertheless concerned about the reduction in lime usage in recent years, and every opportunity is taken by the advisory services to stress to farmers that regular liming is for them an essential and cost-effective operation.