Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alistair Carmichael and Laura Trott

Tuesday 19th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish counterpart on farm budgets for the financial year 2024-25.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Laura Trott)]

A very merry Christmas, Mr Speaker. The Government guarantee to maintain the £2.4 billion annual budget for farmers across the UK for every year of this Parliament. As agriculture is devolved, it is ultimately for the Scottish Government to decide how to allocate that money to farming in Scotland.

[Mr Carmichael]

The Minister will be aware of the frustration that is felt by many farmers and crofters in Scotland that the £33 million that was given to the Scottish Government for a specific purpose as part of the Bew review has been deferred hitherto. What will she do in future to ensure that where money is given for the express purpose of supporting Scottish agriculture, it is in fact used for that purpose?

[Laura Trott]

The right hon. Member raises an excellent question. The SNP Government are yet to clarify when this ringfenced money will be returned. I hope they will do so this afternoon at the Budget.