§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider lowering the requirements to qualify for grants under the agriculture and horticulture development scheme and the agriculture and horticulture grant scheme, so that small and part-time farmers can benefit.
§ Mrs. FennerSmall and part-time farmers are already eligible for grants on certain items—such as drainage and land improvements—under the United Kingdom financed agriculture and horticulture grant scheme. To qualify for grant on the complete range of items, including buildings, a holding must be capable of providing at least 1,800 hours of employment per year for a reasonably skilled occupier. This requirement is intended to direct public funds mainly to units which are potentially viable.
The conditions of eligibility under the agriculture and horticulture development scheme, which is partly financed by the European Community, are laid down in EC directive 72/159. Small and part-time farmers are not disqualified but they may find it difficult to meet all the requirements.
I have no plans to ease the eligibility conditions of these schemes.