§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now review the special position of agriculture in Wales, particularly the cultivation of unsuitable hill and mountain land at the expense of the diminution of livestock; and whether he will adumbrate a long-term policy of at least seven or eight years?
Mr. HudsonI am aware that there are many parts of England and Wales in which it can be said that special conditions prevail. These are fully taken into account when discussing with county war agricultural executive committees the contribution which each can make to food production. The position is kept under constant observation, in consultation with all those who are thoroughly familiar with local conditions, and I do not feel that there is any occasion for the special review suggested. Contrary to the suggestion in the Question, the cultivation of hill and mountain land is now for the most part directed to maintain and where possible increase, not diminish, the number of livestock in those districts. In reply to the last part of the Question, I have already adumbrated a four-year cropping policy combined with a milk production and livestock improvement policy which can with advantage be followed for many years to come.