§ 23. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many milk producers there are in Dorset; and how many there were three years ago.
§ Mr. HoyThe number of registered milk producers in Dorset at 31st March, 1968, was 1,952, compared with 2,175 in March, 1965.
§ Mr. DigbyWhile appreciating that the larger herds are now more economic, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to bear in mind that many of the Dorset holdings are essentially dairy holdings, not suitable for anything else, and that too great an increase in the number of milk producers cannot be desirable?
§ Mr. HoyIt is true that since 1950 the number of herds has progressively declined. I know that it will be a consolation to the hon. Gentleman to know that in his part of the world the decline has been much less than in the rest of England and Wales. In addition we have increased milk production, and have larger herds in his area.