asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are many farmers who ploughed up their land in October, 1939, who have not yet received the £2 grant; that in many cases such grant is required for seeds, fertilisers, and other equipment; and, in these circumstances whether he will insist upon greater expedition in these payments?

In normal cases, the ploughing-up grant is paid within a few days after the receipt of a certificate from the appropriate county war agricultural executive committee that the lands have been properly ploughed, and have been, or will be, brought into a state of cleanliness and fertility and planted with an approved crop. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will gladly have inquiries made.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman ask the county agricultural executive to make a special effort to ensure that payment is expedited as quickly as possible? The farmers who are responding to this call are in need of this money at the earliest possible moment.

indicated assent.