HC Deb 04 December 1968 vol 774 cc1526-7
36. Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Government propose that the size of the sheep flock should be increased.

Mr. Buchan

We look for an increase in sheep in the hills and uplands throughout the United Kingdom to compensate an expected further decline in low-ground flocks.

Mr. Monro

How? Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that there is an increasing sale of hill sheep farms to the Forestry Commission and to private forestry companies? This is an urgent matter. Will he do something to help at once?

Mr. Buchan

That does not directly arise out of this Question, but I told the House in reply to an earlier Question that we maintain close liaison on the related problems of agriculture and forestry. I have been giving a great deal of thought to the whole question of sheep on the hills and uplands, and I hope that technical assistance plus assistance through the Annual Price Review will be of help in the future.

Mr. Stodart

The hon. Gentleman has given a disappointing reply to the effect that there was an increase in one sector but there was to be a decrease in another. If he cannot give the assurance for which my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro) asked, does not that make nonsense of his right hon. Friend's expansion programme?

Mr. Buchan

It does nothing of the kind. It is perfectly in line with my right hon. Friend's announcement. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the diagnosis by the E.D.C. in this connection. Most farmers—perhaps not hon. Members opposite—accept that as a realistic appraisal. I hope that there will be an over-all increase in the number of sheep in Scotland, but it is too early to say that this will come about because of our policy directed towards the hills and uplands.