asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will take steps to pay a minimum normal grant on a 50-50 basis to all committees of agriculture in respect of the produce of the first 2d. in the pound rate in addition to their usual 50-50 grant in respect of the additional rate; and if he will arrange that the grant to all committees be on a 60-40 basis in respect of their expenditure on the advisory services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants to Committees of Agriculture.
148.
The method of determination of grants to committees of agriculture is based on local circumstances and conditions in each county. On that basis, most committees are in fact at present receiving a minimum grant equal to or greater than the local contribution in respect of the first 2d. in the £ rate; and 12 committees in counties in the North and West are receiving a grant in respect of their expenditure on Advisory Services on a more favourable basis than that suggested by the Deputy. I am not convinced that there is the same justification for increasing the rates of grant in the other counties but I am considering representations made to me in the matter by the General Council of Committees of Agriculture and by county committees of agriculture in some of the counties concerned.