asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will backdate to 13 August 1981 the 5 per cent increase in farm grants as it is most unfair that applicants should suffer from the penal reduction in farm grants imposed by the previous Government.

In line with the Government's undertaking, rates of grants under the farm modernisation scheme were restored to their former levels with effect from 29 March 1982, which was the earliest practicable date. It is not feasible to backdate the restoration.

Would the Minister consider re-examining the applications of people who have not yet commenced this work so that they could be given the high rate of 40 per cent rather than 35 per cent?

As the modifications of August 1981 were applied to all schemes approved from 14 August 1981, it would not be feasible to backdate the restoration of grants to 13 August 1981.