§ 21. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much production of beef and lamb has increased from hill farming areas in 1968–69 compared with 1967–68.
§ Mr. HoyIt is not possible to attribute home-produced beef and lamb precisely to particular areas. As the hon. Member knows, the major importance of hill farming areas is as a source of store animals for breeding and fattening elsewhere.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that if he wishes to achieve the expansion mentioned by his right hon. Friend it is from the hill areas that it must come? Will he give a general assurance to the House that in the Price Review these areas will be treated more generously in the various subsidies, deficiency payments and production grants in order to reach the figure of expansion that he has been talking about?
§ Mr. HoyI would not demur from the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, and I would not care to comment on the second part.