§ 53. Mr. Collinsasked 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. WilliamsI 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. CollinsIs 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. WilliamsI have already looked into the matter, and I am advised that this particular breed is not sufficiently hardy to live on some hills.
§ Mr. CollinsWill my right hon. Friend consult the farmers on Exmoor who are interested in this breed?
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the Minister introduce the grid system on Exmoor, which will multiply the sheep population by thousands?