HC Deb 10 February 1955 vol 536 cc2050-1
31. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture the names of the farms which are situated between the proposed Trecastle gunsite and the Sennybridge Range and likely to be affected by the firing by heavy artillery; and the total acreage of all these farms and the total stock carried.

Mr. Amory

As the reply is rather long, and I should have great difficulty in pronouncing the names, I will with persuasion—[Laughter.]—I am sorry, with permission, circulate the required information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information: The names of the farms between the proposed gunsite and the range are as follows:
  • Crug-y-bwbach.
  • Llwyn Carw, Blaen-y-nant and Blaen-y-cwm.
  • Gelli faen and Coed-cwm-llwyfog.
  • Yscoed-reddfin and Pen-y-cae.
  • Clyn-y-foel.
  • Beiliau and Draen-duon.
  • Llwyn-on and Fedw.
  • Clos.
  • Cwm-du-ysfa.
  • Pant - madog, Maes - y - cyffon and Bwysfafach.
 The names of holdings farmed together as one unit are shown on the same line. The total acreage of the farms is, 1,975, of which 888 acres are rough grazings, and in June last they were returned as carrying 474 cattle, 5, 069 sheep, 7 pigs, 27 horses, and 628 poultry.
32. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for War regarding the firing to take place over land between the proposed gunsite at Trecastle and the Sennybridge Range; whether he is aware that this intervening land is fully used for food production; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the effect of heavy guns firing upon the day to day farming operations and in particular calf-rearing.

Mr. Amory

Consultations took place between my Department and the War Office in 1950 and 1951, as a result of which some changes were made in the area of the propsosed gunsite. Most of the land between the gunsite and the range is used for food production, but I understand that from experience on other ranges it is not expected that firing on the scale proposed will interfere with farming activities on the intervening land. I shall keep the matter under review in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Mr. Watkins

Would the Minister be good enough to send an officer who understands something about Welsh farming to inquire into the situation, particularly in my own constituency? I am certain that it would be to the advantage of food production if that were done.

Mr. Amory

I will certainly consider that suggestion. I think I do know the types of farming represented by the acreage to which the hon. Gentleman has called my attention. I will look into the matter and if there is any other information which I think would help I shall certainly seek it.