HC Deb 31 October 1980 vol 991 cc379-80W
Mr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the increased production costs in the hill farming sector, he will give immediate consideration to effecting substantial increases in (a) the hill cow allowance, (b) the hardy ewe subsidy and (c) the less hardy ewe subsidy.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

A review of hill livestock compensatory allowances is at present being carried out in conjunction with the farmers' unions and the Government's decisions will be announced as soon as possible.

Mr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether there has been a decrease in United Kingdom milk production since the beginning of 1980 as compared with the comparable period in 1979; and what is the percentage decrease.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

No. United Kingdom milk production in the first nine months of 1980 is provisionally estimated to be 0.9 per cent. higher than in the comparable period of the previous year.