§ Mr. JOHNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the average product of cereals, hay, and root crops per acre in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland during the last ten years, and the number of cattle, horses, sheep, and swine maintained per 1,000 acres in each of these countries during the years 1900–1 and 1914–15, respectively; and whether, having regard to the facts thereby disclosed, the 425W Government will proceed forthwith to materially enlarge the powers of the National Council of Agriculture of Wales so as to constitute, with the Agricultural Commissioner for Wales, a separate and independent Welsh Board of Agriculture equipped with funds fully adequate for the due discharge of its functions?
§ Sir HARRY VERNEYThe figures asked for by the hon. Member are shown in the following tables. The second part of the question is a matter for argument.
Average yield per acre of cereal, hay, and root crops in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, respectively, during the ten years, 1905–14:—
— Wales. Ireland. Scotland. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Wheat 27.57 36.90 40.58 Barley 31.06 42.98 36.13 Oats 35.26 49.50 37.99 Beans 27.33 43.31 36.73 Peas 22.95 28.51 27.42 Hay from Clover and Rotation Cwts. Cwts. Cwts. Grasses 25.60 38.24 31.94 Hay from Permanent Grass 20.25 43.69 29.60 Tons. Tons. Tons. Potatoes 5.34 5.23 6.49 Turnips & Swedes 15.24 17.18 16.49 Mangolds 18.01 19.42 18.95
Number of Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Pigs as returned in June, 1900 and 1914, per 1,000 acres of total area, in Wales, Ireland and Scotland. — Wales. Ireland. Scotland. 1900. 1914. 1900. 1914. 1900. 1914. Number Number Number Number Number Number per 1,000 acres. per 1,000 acres. per 1,000 acres. per 1,000 acres. per 1,000 acres. per 1,000 acres. Horses* … 32 28 24 27 10 10 Cattle … 160 160 228 249 63 64 Sheep … 723 759 217 178 384 368 Pigs … 48 47 63 64 7 8 * Horses used for agricultural purposes. Mares kept for breeding and unbroken horses.