§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the average annual increase in dairy cows necessary to attain the National Plan target for milk production by 1970, and what increases there were in the 12 months previous to December, 1965, and December, 1966;
(2) what is the average annual increase in pigs necessary to attain the National Plan target for bacon and pork production by 1970; and what increases there were in the 12 months previous to December, 1965, and December, 1966;
(3) what is the average annual increase in cereal production necessary to attain 75W the National Plan target for cereal production by 1970; and what increases there were in the 12 months previous to December, 1965, and December, 1966;
(4) what is the average increase in lamb and mutton production necessary to attain the National Plan target for lamb and mutton production by 1970; and what increases there were in the 12 months previous to December, 1965, and December, 1966.
§ Mr. John MackieUnder the selective expansion programme announced in September, 1965, agriculture is expected to meet a major part of the increased demand by 1970 for those types of food which can be grown in this country. It would also, consistently with our international commitments, supply much of the additional cereals required for livestock feed. No definite production targets were set, but the Government made clear the general objectives for the main commodities. Following is the further information requested on dairy cows, pigs, lamb and mutton, and cereals.
Number (United Kingdom) Increase (+) or Decrease (—) over Previous Year ('000s) Dairy Herd (a)Dairy Cows December, 1964 3,260 December, 1965 3,270 +10 December, 1966 (Provisional) 3,252 -18 (b) Dairy Heifers in Calf December, 1964 456 December, 1965 434 -22 December, 1966 (Provisional) 477 +43 Pigs December, 1964 7,940 December, 1965 8,126 +186 December, 1966 (Provisional) 7,286 -840 '000 tons Lamb/Mutton Production Calendar Year 1964 251.6 Calendar Year 1965 235.7 -15.9 Calendar Year 1966 266.0 +30.3 million tons Cereals Production July-June, 1964–65 12.59 July-June, 1965–66 13.49 +0.90 July-June, 1966–67 (forecast) 13.52 +0.03