HC Deb 06 May 1963 vol 677 cc19-20
30. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he is' making in his efforts to prevent further exposure of animals wintering on Dartmoor to the hazards of a severe winter.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I understand that the Dartmoor Commoners' Association, working closely with local officers of the Ministry, is making plans to minimise losses of livestock in the event of another severe winter. This is in addition to the help which officers of the Ministry's advisory services give to individual farmers.

Mr. Hayman

Will the hon. Gentleman take into account that a very few Dartmoor farmers wintered the Scots black-faced sheep on the high moors, whereas 90 per cent. of the farmers wintered their native sheep on their own farms? Will he, therefore, discourage farmers from having Scots black-faced sheep on the high moors, since they cannot winter entirely on pastures? It is desirable that during very severe weather the ponies also should be allowed free access to the deep lanes for shelter.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I do not think that the hon. Member's information is quite right. Scots black-faced sheep are extremely hardy and during winter—not even excluding last winter, which was so abnormal—they have wintered extremely well. My information about the ponies is that about 1 per cent. were lost. If they are brought down to the deep lanes and byways they might wander without control.

Sir H. Studholme

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Dartmoor Commoners' Association is arranging for fodder banks to be placed on different parts of Dartmoor and that these could be of great help in feeding animals in winter?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

That would be of great help.

Mr. Lipton

Why does the hon. Gentleman always minimise the tragedy of the animals on Dartmoor? Is there not a conspiracy between the Ministry and the selfish, callous minority of Dartmoor farmers to keep secret the loss of livestock last winter? Why are not the figures published?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I am far from trying to minimise the losses. I want to keep a sense of proportion and to give the facts as far as they can be ascertained.