§ 32. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the factory method of breeding and producing poultry, eggs, pigs and calves is developing in Scotland; and what proposals he has to compensate for the reduction of livestock of all kinds in traditional farming.
§ Mr. NobleWhile there has been some development of intensive methods of broiler and egg production in Scotland, the only very large scale factory development I know of is one now being set up for the production and processing of pigmeat. I am not satisfied that the situation calls for any special measures to compensate traditional producers.
§ Mr. WoodburnDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a proposition for one factory to produce 500 million eggs? If this development is to take place it will have serious repercussions on the farming community in Orkney and Shetland and many other parts of the country. If factory production of pigmeat, broiler chickens—and very soon, cattle—is to take place, 395 will the Secretary of State arrange for a specimen farm to be put into the Zoo so that future generations can see what farming looked like?
§ Mr. NobleAnd perhaps a piece of land so that they can see what land looked like. I am glad to see such large egg production in Scotland. The whole of this problem, which is a big problem, is being discussed by us with the N.F.U. and the situation is being watched carefully.