HC Deb 30 January 1963 vol 670 cc919-20
21. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence which Service Departments organised helicopter sorties to help animals in distress on Dartmoor; how many sorties were made; and what expense was incurred.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have flown 241 helicopter sorties, at a cost of £26,000.

Mr. Lipton

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that animal lovers everywhere will be most grateful to the helicopter service for their untiring rescue efforts in hazardous conditions? Is it not, therefore, all the more disgusting that the callous and mercenary farmers in Dartmoor are exploiting the humane instincts of the public in efforts to minimise the appalling suffering caused by the selfishness and negligence of these farmers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do not know what farming conditions in Brixton have been like, but they have been rather rough on Dartmoor. I think that everybody has done his best and we should be very grateful for the efforts.

Sir H. Studholme

Is my right hon. Friend aware that farmers know perfectly well that it is their responsibility to feed their stock but that because of snowdrifts the three Women's Armed Services are in receipt of retired pay under each of the six retired pay codes and, in each case, how many of these officers are over 60 and 70 years of age, respectively.

Mr. Thorneycroft

As the Answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the Table:

it has been impossible in some cases to get the fodder out without help? Does he not agree that it is just as wrong for people to make irresponsible statements and indiscriminate charges against farmers, as the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) has done, as it is to suggest that those people who are worried about animals are sentimentalists? Finally, is my right hon. Friend aware that in consultation with my hon. Friend the Member for Torrington (Mr. P. Browne) and my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Mr. Mawby) I have convened a meeting for the middle of next month? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] This is a meeting at which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture will be present and to which representatives of commoners, the R.S.P.C.A., the Duchy of Cornwall, and the N.F.U. have been invited and where we can thrash this matter out.

Hon. Members

Speech.

Mr. Speaker

I was about to say that we must stop at Uncle Tom Cobbleigh.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the completely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.