§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the lime maintenance level in Wales has been adequate to the need; and how it compares in tonnage per acre with England over the last 10 years.
§ Mr. John MackieThe annual average application of lime on farms in Wales248W over the last ten years has been approximately 353,000 tons. Although the rates of application vary from year to year according to climatic and other conditions, I am satisfied that on average they are adequate for reasonable maintenance needs. Average rates of application per acre in Wales and in England in the last 10 years have been:
Tons per acre Year Wales England 1957 2.2 2.5 1958 2.2 2.5 1959 21 2.3 1960 2.2 2.6 1961 2.2 2.7 1962 2.2 2.7 1963 2.2 2.8 1964 2.3 2.7 1965 2.2 2.4 1966 2.2 2.5 The lower average rates of application in Wales reflect the lower proportion of arable crops to grassland.