Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the cost of grants for agriculture and horticulture, in actual and real terms, in the 584WA financial year 1979–80 before the 1980 Grant Scheme was approved by Parliament; what was the cost in the financial years 1981–82 and 1982–83; and whether they are satisfied that the scheme is in the best interests of the farming industries and the taxpayer.
§ Lord BelsteadGrant paid in the United Kingdom under the Agriculture and Horticulture Grant Scheme which was introduced on 1st October 1980 and its predecessors the Farm Capital Grant Scheme and the Horticulture Capital Grant Scheme was:—
1979–80 1981–82 1982–83 £m £m £m 88.1 87.9 92.7 The figures are in cash terms and are not available in real terms. Grant paid in 1979–80 was inflated because it included payments due in 1978–79 which were delayed as a result of industrial action. The scheme is reviewed regularly to ensure that it continues to reflect changing circumstances and priorities. One such review has just been completed and the changes resulting from it were announced on 30th November. We are satisfied that the scheme is in the best interests of the farming industry and represents good value to the taxpayer.