asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why farmers in the Abbotsley area are being refused improvement and production grants; and how long it is proposed to continue to refuse to pay such grants to them.

The land at Abbotsley may be required for a reservoir. We have therefore deferred consideration of grants for long-term fixed capital investment there until a decision is taken.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Great Ouse Water Board has made it clear that a reservoir is not likely to be needed in the Abbotsley area for 10 years? Does he propose to impede farming progress for the whole of that time?

No, Sir. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman's first statement is correct, the answer to his second point is "No".