§ 54 and 55. Mr. Bartlettasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether the fact that some Exmoor farmers grow turnips on the hillsides for the benefit of their sheep disqualifies them from receiving the subsidy payable in respect of hill-sheep breeding ewes?
(2) whether any payments of the hill-sheep subsidy have yet been made to Exmoor farmers; and, if not, whether he will explain why this subsidy is not available to farmers who keep and rear their sheep on the hills?
Mr. HudsonI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers) on 9th October. The practice of feeding turnips is only one of the factors which render Exmoor flocks, with certain exceptions, ineligible for subsidy.
§ Mr. BartlettIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the opinion of the county war agricultural committee, at least 100 of these cases are genuine, and is not this position rather undermining the influence of the committee?