Hill Sheep Subsidy (Discontinuance)

HC Deb 17 February 1955 vol 537 c70W

Major McCallum

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a decision has yet been reached concerning the payment this year of hill sheep subsidy.

Mr. Amory

After full consideration of all the relevant circumstances and consultation with the interests concerned, the Government have decided that they would not be justified in paying a hill sheep subsidy in the United Kingdom this year. The estimated financial returns to hill sheep farmers in 1954 were generally at a satisfactory level, even though in some areas they were not so good as in 1953. The question of the subsidy will be reconsidered next year in the light of the economic conditions prevailing in the hill sheep industry in 1955.