§ 15. Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how prices of store lambs this autumn have compared with those a year ago.
§ Mr. HoyThe average prices of store lambs of both hill and other breeds were up to 8s. per head higher in September and October of this year than in the same months of 1966. Information on hill sheep sales in November is not yet complete, but the prices of lambs of other breeds have been running higher than last year by between 10s, and £1 per head.
§ Mr. StodartIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is welcome news but that, last year, the sheep industry went into a very deep trough? The prices which he has mentioned are still below those of three years ago, while costs have been soaring. Will he take steps to reimburse this sector of the industry which perhaps has been harder hit than any other?
§ Mr. HoyI am grateful that the hon. Gentleman thinks my information is 421 welcome. However, even taking the year 1965 as a comparison, we are up to that level this year, which shows an even greater improvement. The hon. Gentleman also mentioned prices. He knows what was done in this year's annual Price Review to help this section of the industry, and we shall be looking at it again, together with other relevant factors, when the next Price Review takes place.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that, while the average price may be up, in certain areas of Scotland the poorer quality lambs have not been so rewarded by higher prices? Will he consider what steps the Government can take to assist the fattening of lambs and substituting for the production of store lambs a rather more intensified form of fatstock production?
§ Mr. HoyIt is always the case, no matter what branch of industry one is in—agriculture or otherwise—that poorer qualities obviously fetch lower prices. I would remind my hon. Friend that the guaranteed price for fat sheep was increased by 1d. per lb., and that will have helped. If further assistance can be given, we will look at it.