HC Deb 02 April 1996 vol 275 cc207-8W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of Welsh slate and other industrial building materials needed for the authentic restoration of Wales's historic buildings; and if he will make a statement. [23526]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

I am not aware of any significant shortage in the supply of appropriate materials.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the current size of the beef herd. [23407]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

At June 1995 there were an estimated 218,900 cows in the Welsh beef breeding herd.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the farmers unions concerning BSE and CJD; and if he will make a statement. [23410]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

My right hon. Friend met representatives of the farming unions on 21 March to discuss the announcements made the previous day regarding BSE and CJD by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I met the Farmers Union of Wales on 27 March. The Welsh Office will continue to keep in touch with the farming unions on these matters.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) cases of BSE and (b) affected farms in Wales and its constituent counties there have been broken down by (i) pedigree beef herds, (ii) mixed beef and dairy farms and (iii) dairy-only herds. [24386]

Mr. Hague

The number of BSE cases and affected farms in Wales broken down by dairy, mixed beef herds as at 29 March 1996 and pedigree beef herds as at 9 March 1996 is as follows: