§ Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the effect of drought on the cost of winter keep, he can state what measures he proposes to take to ensure the production of winter-fed bullocks and arable sheep?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonIt is impossible to determine with any precision what effect the drought during the spring will have on the cost of the keep of livestock during next winter. Whilst the hay crop is likely to be below average, roots have generally been sown under satisfactory conditions, and it is premature to form an estimate of the final outturn of the root crops, which are an important422W element in winter feeding. Further, the general level of costs of feeding stuffs is governed by world prices rather than by climatic conditions in this country. In these circumstances, and having regard to the increase in numbers of cattle and sheep as estimated in December last, there would appear to be no reason to contemplate the special measures suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order that the effects of the policy of increasing the fertility of the soil by fostering the use of lime and basic slag may not be seriously lessened, he will consider, as an emergency measure, temporarily subsidising livestock, thereby enabling farmers to preserve their animals in the face of increased winter maintenance costs due to drought?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonWith regard to the question of winter maintenance costs, I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the immediately preceding question. My hon. Friend will be aware that there are already in operation measures providing substantial financial assistance to the cattle industry, and I am unable to contemplate any additional assistance on the lines proposed.
§ Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the drought and the lessons to be derived therefrom, he will appoint experts from the Ministry to study the differing systems of farming and methods of fertilisation responsible for the dissimilar manner in which crops in different counties but in neighbouring fields have withstood the drought?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonExperts whose function is to study problems of farming in all its aspects are already employed at research stations and advisory centres and by county councils; and I have no doubt that they will give careful attention to any special lessons to be learned from the current season's drought.