HC Deb 25 April 1950 vol 474 cc754-5
12. Mr. McKie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of sheep in Wigtownshire on 4th June, 1939, and 4th June, 1949, respectively.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNeil)

The total number of sheep returned in the county of Wigtownshire as at 4th June, 1939, and 4th June, 1949, were 156,598 and 128,835 respectively.

Mr. McKie

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this drop in the sheep' population in this and the neighbouring county is causing great concern, and will he bear in mind the necessity for keeping a proper balance between sheep farming and afforestation, because the increasing acreage for afforestation is responsible for the decline?

Mr. McNeil

I think the hon. Gentleman has missed the point that the sheep population has risen since the severe winter of 1947 by about 18,000.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in this constituency between 1945 and 1950 there has. been a decline of 1,825 political sheep?'

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