HC Deb 22 March 1967 vol 743 cc1681-2
2. Mr. Monro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to improve the financial return of hill farmers.

21. Mr. Jopling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of impending bankruptcies among hill farmers, whether he will now take steps to alleviate their position; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

We have increased the rates of hill cow and hill sheep subsidy. The hill sheep subsidy is to be extended to flocks in the wider area eligible for hill cow subsidy and the date of payment is to be advanced. The calf subsidy and guaranteed prices of fat sheep and fat cattle are also increased. These measures will be of considerable benefit to hill farmers.

Mr. Monro

Is the Minister aware that I do not think that he has given any thing like enough to the hill sheep industry after such a disastrous year as the past twelve months? Cannot he do more for the hill ewe subsidy?

Mr. Peart

A careful study of what I have decided in the Review will show that this award, which has been welcomed by those in hill areas, will dispel the gloom which the hon. Gentleman seeks to spread.

Mr. Jopling

Is the Minister aware that hill fanning is a much more long-term business than, say, crop production, and that confidence is essential? Is he further aware that confidence in these areas has been severely strained and that what is needed is a steady expansion programme rather than what he has been doing in the last two and a half years?

Mr. Peart

I am aware that the problems of hill areas involve a long-term approach. That is why we have introduced a Bill partly to deal with the problems of hill and upland areas. This, above all, is why the award has been welcomed by those who know these areas well.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the millions of pounds that we donated to the farming industry last year and in view of the continued dissatisfaction of the Tory Party, to help farmers further would my right hon. Friend consider going round the Tory Party with a hat?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The original Question is about hill farmers.