§ 7. Mr. Pardoeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the size of the national breeding flock of sheep in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. HoyThe breeding flock in the United Kingdom numbered 14,223,000 at June, 1967, 13,873,000 at June, 1968 and 13,315,000 at June, 1969.
§ Mr. PardoeI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that information. However, will he say what he intends to do to change the trend?
§ Mr. HoyAs the hon. Gentleman knows, in the last four reviews we have increased the guaranteed price by 15 per cent. In the 1967 review we extended the hill sheep subsidy to 40 per cent. more sheep and at the same time improved the terms. Obviously, we want to build up that part of our stock.
§ Mr. StodartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as I said to the Minister a little while ago, much of the effect of this is being nullified by the fact that whole farms are being taken out of production for afforestation? This is happening in the hill areas to which the Minister wants the flock to go. What will be done about this?
§ Mr. HoyThis has always been a very difficult question. Other hon. Members opposite are always telling me that we are not doing enough for forestry. We must endeavour to have a plan. We will make way for sheep, but we must not deny forestry its fair share of land.