§ 47. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the mortality amongst sheep during the winter months; and what steps he is taking to mitigate the financial losses of sheep farmers, especially those in hill and upland areas.
§ Mr. HoyThis has been a difficult winter for sheep farmers in some parts of the country but it is too early yet to make a full assessment of the losses. The Annual Review award, of 1½d. lb. on the price of fat lambs, following the increase of 2½d. last year, should be welcome to flockmasters in all parts of the country but I must remind the right hon. Member of the general principle that the Government does not guarantee farmers against the hazards of bad weather.