§ 2. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the price of lamb will result in expanded output at the rate planned in his November statement on the expansion of agriculture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe addition of 1½d. per lb. to the guaranteed price of fat sheep on top of last year's increase of 2½d. a lb. will assist the industry in securing our objective of maintained production.
This, and the improvement in the hill sheep subsidy stocking ratio, will benefit all producers and particularly those in the hills and uplands where there is real scope for increasing productivity and output.
§ Mr. MonroDoes the Minister realise that the increase in the price of lamb will produce only about £60 for the average hill farmer? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is an incentive when 457 weighed against the staggering increase in costs?
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Gentleman should know from his personal experience that this year's determination on sheep, added to last year's, will enable the producer to benefit considerably. This is the view of sheep farmers generally throughout the country.
§ Mr. ManuelIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is no doubt but that the rate of expansion will be reached because of the undoubtedly large incentive provided in the last two Price Reviews of 4d. per lb.?
§ Mr. HughesMy hon. Friend is quite right. The December sheep census indicates that the rate of decline may be lessening. There are clear signs that the flocks in the hills and uplands are increasing.