HC Deb 08 May 1939 vol 347 cc17-8
32. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total area of golf courses in England and Wales; the number of sheep carried thereon; and is he proposing to encourage golf clubs to revert to the old practice of pasturing sheep on their courses?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I regret that the information asked for in the first and second parts of the question is not available. As regards the third part, I think that such bodies may be relied upon, in suitable circumstances, to utilise the grazing on their courses for the feeding of sheep.

Mr. Gibson

In the event of an emergency such as the right hon. Gentleman had in view when he formulated his scheme, with regard to pasture land, would it not be well to keep this possible source for pasturage in view?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That is kept in view.

Mr. Gibson

Then what is the right hon. Gentleman doing about it?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Perhaps the hon. Member had better put down another question?

Mr. G. Griffiths

Is it not a fact that a lot of sheep on the other side want these golf courses for themselves?