§ 34. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that, because of recent meat prices, farmers in Pembrokeshire are transferring their livestock to milk production; and what steps he proposes to take to encourage his declared policy of stimulating home production of meat.
Mr. AmoryI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the member for South Angus (Captain Duncan) on 18th July.
§ Mr. DonnellyWill the right hon. Gentleman nevertheless make inquiries in west Wales, through his local office, as to the position now existing there and the extreme disillusionment which has been felt by the livestock producers of west Wales as a result of the price policy on meat?
Mr. AmoryI have made inquiries in South Wales. My officials there tell me that they have seen no sign so far, or heard talk, of the changeover to which the hon. Gentleman refers. As regards the question of profitability of beef, I have, in answering my hon. Friend the Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane) just now, expressed the desire of the Government that the guaranteed prices be such that efficient beef production is profitable.