§ 2. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the money value of the net increase over 1947 in home food production attained in 1952, 1953 and 1954.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)Compared with 1946–47, the increases in value of net agricultural output are estimated at about £155 million in 1952–53, £195 million in 1953–54 and £180 million in 1954–55. These increases have been calculated at 1954–55 prices in each year; and the figure for 1954–55 is still a forecast.
§ Mr. HurdMay we take those figures as a measure of the contribution British agriculture has made to our balance of payments problem?
Mr. AmoryI would agree with my hon. Friend that these increases have made a very valuable contribution to our balance of payments, and that they have also proved of very great benefit to consumers.