§ 48. Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture how many cattle and sheep it is estimated have been lost in England and Wales in the present severe weather and what is their approximate cost, respectively.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am afraid that it will be impossible to obtain a reliable estimate of the losses of cattle and sheep until conditions in the districts chiefly affected have improved sufficiently to allow farmers to make a survey of their stock. Arrangements are however being made for a special investigation to be undertaken by officers of the Ministry as soon as conditions permit.
§ 57. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the loss of cattle and poultry in the Leek and Moorland district owing to the fact that animal feedingstuffs have been unable to reach this district due to the weather conditions during the past few weeks.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIt is not at present possible to make any assessment of the losses in the area mentioned, as many farms are still cut off and roads blocked with snow. An inquiry will be made as soon as conditions permit, and I will then write to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an 6W estimate, so far as at present ascertainable, of the losses of cattle and sheep in England, Scotland and Wales during the recent severe weather.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs I stated today in my reply to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. J. Morrison), it is not yet possible to make a reliable estimate of the losses of cattle and sheep in England and Wales during the recent severe weather. I understand from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, that the position in that country is the same.