§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current level of subsidy and grant aid for the use of lime as an agriculture fertiliser; what was the level in(a) 1965 and (b) 1970; and if he will make a statement. [2527]
§ Mr. BoswellThere have been no subsidies or grant aid available for the use of lime as an agriculture fertiliser since 1976. The level of subsidy in the financial year 1964–65 was £9.9 million and in 1965–66 £8.1 million. Subsidies in the financial years 1969–70 and 1970–71 totalled £4.6 million and £5 million respectively. Lime can be beneficial in certain circumstances and decisions on its application are for farmers and growers. We see no need to subsidise its use.