§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) has issued a circular or some other form of advice or guidance to MAFF officials responsible for administering farm capital grants during 1982, and, if so, whether they will place a copy in the Library.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Ferrers)Instructions and guidance have been issued to MAFF officials who are responsible for administering capital grants. As these include procedures which are designed to protect Exchequer funds, it would not be in the public interest to make them generally available. MAFF officials also make use of the various leaflets which are available to the public, a set of which has been placed in the Library.