§ 2. Mr. Mylesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the level of production from the areas in the United Kingdom which are covered by the less favoured areas directive in each of the past five years.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Jerry Wiggin)The main component of production in less favoured areas is young stock from hill and upland cattle and sheep. Stocking figures for these groups reveal a decline in cow numbers between 1976 and 1980 of nearly 5 per cent., but an increase of 6 per cent. over the same period in the number of ewes.
§ Mr. MylesIn view of that reply and the considerable encouragement that the Government have given to this sector of agriculture, will my hon. Friend ensure that short-term economic considerations will not prevent that encouragement from continuing to be given?
§ Mr. WigginIt is, of course, for economic reasons that these matters are considered in the first place. I think that it would be impossible at this time of the year to anticipate the consideration that my right hon. Friend will give to the matter in the autumn. I think that the fact that he has already given two record payments for hill grants and subsidies indicates the depth of our feeling on this subject.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerThe Highland farmers of Scotland greatly appreciate the help that has been given by the Government, but does my hon. Friend accept that I should be failing in my duty if I did not ask him to confirm that, whatever happens in the EEC negotiations, Scotland's hill farmers will still be recognised as an essential part of the agricultural community?
§ Mr. WigginI do not have the slightest difficulty in giving that assurance. Indeed, the new sheep regime is one of the matters that will considerably help them.