HL Deb 21 April 1980 vol 408 cc635-6WA
Lord HYLTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) how many dairy cows, heifers and calves there were in Great Britain in 1977, 1978 and 1979; and
  2. (ii) whether they can estimate the probable increase in milk production per cow in 1980 and subsequent years as compared with 1979.

Earl FERRERS

The numbers of dairy cows, heifers and calves in Great Britain in June in each of the three years 1977, 1978 and 1979 were as follows:—

1977 1978 1979
Dairy Cows 3,015,327 3,013,277 3,023,503
Dairy heifers 586,030 624,969 627,638
Calves—
Dairy and Beef (2 years old and over) 185,217 181,196 185,949
Calves—
Dairy replacements (Over 1 year but under 2 years) 682,503 685,460 686,027
Calves—
females (Over 6 months but under 1 year) 912,580 865,770 905,989
Calves—
females (Under 6 months) 822,065 810,621 809,450
Source: June Agricultural Census.

Due mainly to inclement weather and its effect on fodder supplies, the level of milk production per cow in 1979 remained much the same as in the previous year. So long as there are no long period of adverse weather, it is expected that production per cow in 1980 and subsequently will resume the upward trend seen in the years immediately prior to 1979.

House adjourned at four minutes before nine o'clock.