asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he is making to assist cottagers, smallholders and allotment-holders to obtain lime, fertilisers and other aids for effective cultivation of the soil at favourable and economic terms?

Small tenants, including allotment-holders, may obtain lime and basic slag at reduced prices either individually or, where individual require- ments are less than two tons, by combined application in terms of the scheme administered by the Land Fertility Committee. In addition, the Joint Committee of the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders, which receives financial aid through my Department, administers a scheme to assist in the purchase of fertilisers and seeds on advantageous terms.