HC Deb 19 February 1959 vol 600 c514
2. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the large numbers of sheep killed by traffic on roads crossing the Cleveland moors; and whether he will take steps, in co-operation with the local highway authorities, to reduce this loss of valuable livestock.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend is aware of this problem, and it is now being investigated by a panel appointed by the County Agricultural Executive Committee with a view to further discussion with the county council and other authorities before the next holiday season.

Mr. Palmer

I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply, but in this case is not it possible to have warning notices, of attractive design—to be read by the motorists, of course, and not by the sheep?

Mr. Godber

I think that that is a very sound suggestion; and exactly the sort of thing that the panel will be considering.

Sir A. Baldwin

Is my hon. Friend aware that the best way of dealing with the problem is to proceed with legislation, based on the Report of the Royal Commission on Common Land, in which fencing will take a very prominent place?

Mr. Godber

I note my hon. Friend's interest in this subject, and I hope that we shall have his support in tomorrow's debate.