§ 26. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has now reached a decision on the proposal to differentiate in calf subsidy payments between cattle which carry horns and those which are naturally polled or have been dishorned.
Mr. AmoryWhile I am satisfied that the dehorning of commercial beef cattle is advantageous and my Department will continue to recommend it, I have decided not to differentiate at present in the payment of subsidy between horned and polled or dehorned calves. I shall consider the matter again in the light of further discussions with the representative bodies concerned.
§ Mr. HurdMay we take it from what my right hon. Friend has said that he has no doubts at all about the merits of polled cattle but that he considers it best to leave the individual farmer to meet market preferences as he thinks best?
Mr. AmoryYes; in general, I think I agree with what my hon. Friend has said. I am strongly in favour of dehorning, but I do not like to ride roughshod over the many experienced people who hold different views.
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that he will get full support from this side of the House for any encouragement he may give to those who have the power either to horn or to dehorn?