HC Deb 26 February 1969 vol 778 cc1711-2
33. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what part he estimates lowland sheep will play in providing increased supplies of home-produced meat.

Mr. Hoy

Nearly half of the breeding ewes in the United Kingdom are kept in the lowlands and a major part of our fat sheep and lambs are at present finished there. Moreover, sheep have a valuable place in lowland farming systems as a break between cereal crops. So the lowlands have an important part to play in mutton and Iamb production. But any significant expansion would be at the expense of the increase we hope to see in other livestock and crops, so we are looking mainly to the hills and uplands to offset the recent decline in the national flock.

Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the lowland flocks are rapidly diminishing? if the targets of increased production are to be achieved, is it not important for lowland flocks to make their contribution to the fertility of farms?

Mr. Hoy

We gave considerable price support at the last Review. We realise the importance of this. As I said in reply to an earlier question, with which the hon. Gentleman did not disagree, we look to the hills and uplands for increases in the flock.

Mr. Maclennan

I welcome what my hon. Friend has said, but will he acknowledge that the profitability of the store-producing hills and uplands depends upon the extent to which the low grounds are grazing sheep? Mr. Hoy: I appreciate the point my hon. Friend makes. We must take both aspects into consideration when planning our policy.

Mr. Hoy

I appreciate the point my hon. Friend makes. We must take both aspects into consideration when planning our policy.

Mr. James Davidson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Government's continued policy of importing meat from countries where foot-and-mouth disease is endemic is not only discouraging to home producers of lamb and beef but places a complete embargo on the export of quality lamb to markets such as the United States which would otherwise be open to us?

Mr. Hoy

That has not got much to do with the Question. The hon. Gentleman knows what action the Government took in relation to mutton and lamb coming from a particular country. Indeed, the Northumberland Committee is now inquiring into it, and the hon. Gentleman would not want me to anticipate that Committee's findings.