HC Deb 28 March 1949 vol 463 cc838-9
53. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that numbers of Devon close-wool sheep are reared on Exmoor; and if he can arrange for these sheep to be qualified for subsidy when reared on hill farms.

Mr. T. Williams

I am well aware that Devon close-wools are kept on Exmoor, but I do not consider that this breed is sufficiently hardy to qualify for hill sheep subsidy.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this breed is doing very well on Exmoor, and may I ask him to look at this matter again with a view to encouraging increased numbers, which would result in increased supplies of mutton?

Mr. Williams

I have already looked into the matter, and I am advised that this particular breed is not sufficiently hardy to live on some hills.

Mr. Collins

Will my right hon. Friend consult the farmers on Exmoor who are interested in this breed?

Mr. Williams

We have consulted them already.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the Minister introduce the grid system on Exmoor, which will multiply the sheep population by thousands?