ZAGREB, Feb 1 (Hina) - Sabor Speaker Zlatko Tomcic on Thursday afternoon discontinued a session of the House of Representatives, due to disagreement of deputies about amendments to the draft act on agricultural subsidies. During the
discussion, compromise seemed to be in the offing between the Government that drafted the act and MPs who suggested some amendments, but the voting on the changes was adjourned. Now parliamentary benches are to harmonise their views until tomorrow. The problem cropped up when the Government first accepted and then ruled out an amendment under which one hectare of the farmland would be sufficient minimum necessary for the owner's right to get material subsidy. The Government subsequently explained that it did not give up its plans to help make larger units of farmland, and would accept such an amendment only as a transitional solution in force only this year while the minimum for 2002
ZAGREB, Feb 1 (Hina) - Sabor Speaker Zlatko Tomcic on Thursday
afternoon discontinued a session of the House of Representatives,
due to disagreement of deputies about amendments to the draft act on
agricultural subsidies.
During the discussion, compromise seemed to be in the offing
between the Government that drafted the act and MPs who suggested
some amendments, but the voting on the changes was adjourned. Now
parliamentary benches are to harmonise their views until
tomorrow.
The problem cropped up when the Government first accepted and then
ruled out an amendment under which one hectare of the farmland would
be sufficient minimum necessary for the owner's right to get
material subsidy.
The Government subsequently explained that it did not give up its
plans to help make larger units of farmland, and would accept such
an amendment only as a transitional solution in force only this year
while the minimum for 2002 would be two to three hectares.
Deputies of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), a ruling
coalition member, also was against reduction of subsidies for the
lavender growing, although this cut was suggested by the
Government.
Sabor Speaker Tomcic told reporters that HSLS representatives
violated rules for the conduct within the ruling coalition.
The lower house is to decide on the bill tomorrow.
The financial means for the subsidies will come to 1.43 billion kuna
or by 16.6 percent higher subsides given to farmers in 2000.
(hina) sb ms