Sheep Industry

HC Deb 19 March 1981 vol 1 cc417-8

9. Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Yes, Sir. The new sheepmeat regime has brought major benefits.

Mr. Wainwright

Does the Minister accept that the House will be glad to hear that? Is he aware that reports from the North of England suggest that in this lambing season the destructive worrying of sheep by uncontrolled dogs is worse than ever, which is perhaps not surprising in the present economic climate? In drawing the matter to the attention of the Secretary of State for the Environment, will he warn him of the valuable proposals of the report of the working party on dogs five years ago and ask him to implement them without delay?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

One may blame the EEC for many things, but we cannot blame it for dogs worrying sheep. We certainly cannot blame the sheepmeat regime. However, the hon. Gentleman has raised a serious point at a timely moment. I hope that dog owners will pay attention to what has been said.

Mr. Kimball

Is my hon. Friend aware that sheep production is the most flourishing and successful sector of agriculture? Is he further aware that every prediction of his right hon. Friend last autumn about future prices has been more than met? Will he ensure that nothing is done in the forthcoming negotiations in Europe to destroy the great confidence that is building up in the industry?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he says. The sheepmeat regime has considerably helped our sheep producers. However, some aspects, particularly exports, give us cause to worry. We hope to raise such matters in the price review.

Mr. Strang

Will the Minister acknowledge that the clawback in the EEC sheepmeat regime has brought to an end the lamb trade with the Continent, when it should be increasing? Will he make it clear that the Government do not accept that and are determined to reverse it in the present price negotiations?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I hope that the hon. Gentleman, in turn, will acknowledge that the clawback has been cancelled for third country exports. The language that he uses is out of place. A change has taken place in the pattern of trade with European countries, but I hope that he will not be disappointed to learn that the level of trade in 1980–81, between November and January, is similar to that of the previous year. It is a distortion to say that trade has been brought to a halt.

Mr. McQuarrie

Is my hon. Friend aware of the rumour that the French intend to disrupt the entry of sheepmeat to France again this year? If that is correct, when he is in Brussels will he let the French know in no uncertain manner that he will not tolerate it?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

If my hon. Friend has evidence of that, I should like to know of it. We have consistently defended the interests of our sheep producers, and we shall continue to do so.