HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc799-801
14. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated yield of grass per acre in 1952, 1953, and 1954, from permanent pasture and leys, respectively.

Mr. Amory

Yields from either temporary or permanent grass are extremely difficult to measure, and show enormously wide variations from farm to farm. I regret, therefore, that the information asked for is not available. My hon. Friend will agree, I am sure, that under favourable conditions and with good management, leys are generally more productive than permanent pasture, and are therefore greatly to be encouraged.

Mr. Crouch

I am rather surprised at that answer. In view of the fact that grass is the most important crop we grow, can he put some of his statisticians on to getting this information for us for a future date?

Mr. Amory

I entirely agree that grass is an important crop. In fact, it is one of our most valuable agricultural assets. If my hon. Friend knows of a quick way of calculating the yield of grassland, I would be grateful if he would give me details.

Mr. Crouch

There are certain ways of collecting the information, and I will with pleasure give to my right hon. Friend the address of the people concerned.

Mr. Amory

With the proviso that they are accurate ways.

15. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated yield of hay per acre in 1952, 1953, and 1954, from permanent pasture and leys, respectively.

Mr. Amory

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Crouch

Does my right hon. Friend have figures of the yield from the better hay crops?

Mr. Amory

The figures of temporary grass, which would be the best, are: In 1952, 31 cwt.; 1953, 32 cwt.; 1954, 29 cwt.; the drop being due, of course, to the exceptionally bad weather. I hope very much that there will be a further increase in the making of sileage.

Following are the figures:

ESTIMATED YIELDS PER ACRE OF HAY IN ENGLAND AND WALES
— 1952 1953 1954
cwt. cwt. cwt.
From permanent grass … 21.5 22.5 21.3
From temporary grass … 31.2 31.9 29.1
From lucerne … 43.3 44.5 42.2