§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the percentage and the number of lame sheep in the national flock. [17504]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Government have been funding the Royal Veterinary college to carry out a study into ovine lameness. The first part of the study, a survey of a random sample of sheep holdings, found a reported incidence of lameness of about 8 per cent. in 1993–94. This is now being followed up by on-farm investigations into the different causes of lameness with a view to developing improved methods of control.