HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 cc129-30W
Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the lambing percentage among sheep eligible for hill sheep subsidy.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Information about lambing percentage among sheep eligible for hill sheep subsidy is not readily available and could not be provided either nationally or by counties without disproportionate expense.

Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what variation there is in lambing percentages in counties in Scotland where sheep are eligible for hill sheep subsidy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

In all counties of Scotland there are sheep eligible for hill sheep subsidy. Lambing rates are influenced by many factors, particularly altitude and weather, and wide variations in the rates occur not only within counties but within districts. In sheltered districts lambing rates can approach 100 per cent., while in exposed districts rates as low as 50 per cent to 60 per cent. are not unusual.