asked the Minister of Agriculture from what section of the Hill Farming Act he derives his powers to pay the guarantee when electricity is installed into certain farms; and how it is decided which farmers shall be helped in this way.

Under Section 1 and the First Schedule of the Hill Farming Act, 1946, grant may be paid towards the cost of installing a supply of electricity on a hill farm, provided this work forms part of a comprehensive improvement scheme for the farm. Grant is paid only on the initial capital cost of installation; no grant is paid on guaranteed minimum annual consumption charges. Farms eligible for grant are those which consist wholly or partly of hill farming land as defined in the Act.

Is the Minister aware that in certain parts of East Lancashire the decision as to which farms shall and which shall not receive the benefits of which he has spoken is causing a great deal of unhappiness between neighbouring farmers?

I am not aware of that, but if the hon. Member cares to bring any case to my notice I will gladly look into it.