HC Deb 25 November 1941 vol 376 cc585-6
Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to announce the scale of assistance he proposes to give to the hill sheep industry?

Major McCallum

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make any statement regarding the proposed form of compensation to hill sheep farmers for the heavy losses in sheep and lambs suffered by them due to the severe winter of 1940–41?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)

Yes, Sir. I have been making a careful examination in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture of the economic position of the hill sheep farmer during the past year. The difficulties facing the hill farmer in this period have in most cases been such as to make his position worse than in 1940, despite the improvement in prices at the autumn sales. The preservation of foundation breeding stocks of hill sheep and the maintenance of hill grazings in food production to the maximum extent are of prime importance, and it is necessary that this branch of farming should be encouraged to carry on in good heart, and with renewed confidence. Taking into account all relevant factors, the Government have decided that a special subsidy should again be paid on the same general lines as last year. In view of the exceptional circumstances of the past season, the rate of subsidy on this occasion will be 7s. 6d. for each eligible breeding ewe and shearling, and payments will be based on the number of sheep in flocks on 4th December, 1940. Full details will be published at an early date.

Mr. Snadden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement he has just made will cause much satisfaction?

Major McCallum

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the relief announced, even though it is only temporary, will cause great satisfaction?

Mr. Robertson

Is not the difficulty that the Government are the sole buyers of the farmers' produce?

Mr. Johnston

That is another question, which I should like to see on the Paper.