§ Mr. Nicholas Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what reports he has obtained of the fodder deficiencies in the Welsh counties; and if he will publish the details.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe Agricultural Development and Advisory Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has carried out a survey of hay production on a sample of holdings over 50 acres and this indicates that overall production of hay in Wales is 13 per cent. down on a year ago. The shortfall is generally worse in the hills and uplands than in the lowlands, and in some places the situation is very difficult. The quality of much of the hay is poor. Reports for other fodder crops show a rather better position. Silage production 567W has been maintained—quantity and quality are both up. Root crops and kale in general appear up to average. Straw production is estimated to be 25 per cent. down.