§ Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the rate of increase of home-produced beef during the last six years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyBeef production in the past two years has been hit by foot-and-mouth and other temporary factors but it is now on the increase again. The Government's aim is to increase the potential for expansion and we are satisfied that this policy is beginning to pay off. Despite the disease losses the total breeding herd at December, 1969, had risen by about 7 per cent. and the pure beef herd by 25 per cent. compared with six years earlier.