§ 17. Mr. Delwyn Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received over the grading regulations and seasonal scale for fat sheep.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe only specific representation on grading I have received recently is in the question tabled for answer today by my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond, Yorks (Sir T. Kitson). I have received no representations on the seasonal scale.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill my right hon. Friend accept that I am surprised at the lack of representation, when so many farmers in Mid-Wales—an important sheep farming area—are concerned about the inequalities of the system? Will he take on board the concern over the injustice of a system that shows a lower return than the guaranteed price?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend and I will be happy to receive representations on behalf of my hon. Friend's farmers. I appreciate that the grading regulations and seasonal scale can have different effects on different areas in accordance with particular circumstances.
§ Sir Timothy KitsonWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a great deal of disquiet about the grading systems? Will he consider half-and-half grading, which would be a much fairer system for our sheep farmers?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI ask my hon. Friend to await the answer that I shall be giving to him later, but I shall take account of his point. However, experience of grading demonstrates that his claim is not necessarily borne out by the facts. I assure him that we review the gradings from time to time.