HL Deb 31 October 1979 vol 402 cc378-9

3.1 p.m.

Baroness ELLIOT of HARWOOD

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 what steps they are taking to prevent any further decline in the national beef breeding herd.

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, the June census results showed that the rate of decline of the beef breeding herd is much reduced, and with support levels for beef producers almost 14 per cent. higher than a year ago I should hope that this trend towards stability will continue.

Baroness ELLIOT of HARWOOD

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply, which is certainly quite encouraging. Does he realise that although it may be improving now the decline in production of beef has been so great that it is back to 1972–73 levels? It is very difficult to build up the national herd of beef if, at the same time, we allow the individual herds to get smaller. I hope the Government realise that this is a very urgent matter.

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, the Government indeed realise and appreciate that the present beef-breeding herd is at or approaching the 1972 level. Meanwhile, I must draw your Lordships' attention to the fact that the dairy herd is very much at the same level as it has been during the past eight or nine years. The only matter which is under direct domestic control by Her Majesty's Government is, of course, the hill livestock compensatory allowance, which is currently under review, and the Government intend to make an announcement on this before the end of November.