§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now include Devon Closewool sheep as a local breed eligible for the supplementary rate of hill sheep subsidy.
§ Mr. HoyThe supplementary rate of hill sheep subsidy payable under the new arrangements announced earlier this year is restricted to ewes of hardy hill breeds. The Devon Closewool is not regarded as being sufficiently hardy to be eligible for the supplementary rate. The breed will however be eligible for the new basic rate of subsidy which is not restricted to ewes of any particular breed.