HL Deb 02 December 1974 vol 355 cc6-7
Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any of the old Commonwealth countries have been approached to obtain animal fodder to help farmers in the United Kingdom.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, inquiries have been made about the availability of fodder in Canada. We have not made inquiries in Australia and New Zealand because of the high cost of transport due to the distances involved.

Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, can my noble friend say what has been the result of representations made to the Government of Canada? While recognising the difficulty with regard to Australia and New Zealand, may I suggest that there ought to be no difficulty with regard to transport from Canada, unless it is a matter of expense.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, some hay is available in Canada, but the high cost of transportation is a disincentive to purchase and it is unlikely that these supplies would make a significant contribution, although we certainly have not ruled out the possibility of imports from that country.

Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the position has improved? Is he aware of what happened recently in North Wales and in other parts of the country because of the absence of the requisite fodder for cattle, when many died as a result? Can he give an assurance, not only to myself and to Members of your Lordships' House but to the farming community, that measures will be taken to ensure that this kind of situation does not arise again?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, there have been great difficulties—mainly due to the bad weather—and these difficulties have been experienced by every country in Europe. The Government are considering the fodder situation—which I agree with my noble friend is very difficult—and I expect that we shall be in a position to make a Statement in the near future.

Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, what is meant by "the near future"? We hear this expression used very often.

Lord STRABOLGI

Within a few days, my Lords.

Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, then why did not the noble Lord say so in the first place?