HC Deb 25 July 1962 vol 663 cc1458-9
9. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the number of farmers in the United Kingdom in 1939, 1947, 1956, and at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

As the agricultural returns relate to holdings, it is not possible to give the actual numbers of farmers in these years. The number of holdings in the United Kingdom, excluding holdings in Great Britain consisting solely of rough grazings, was approximately 525,000 both in 1939 and 1947, 512,000 in 1956 and 470,000 in 1961. A large proportion of holdings are worked part-time, and some are worked as distinct units within a single farm business.

Mr. Hilton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this gradual decline in the number of holdings is causing concern in farming circles, particularly among small farmers who are very apprehensive about their future in view of the possibility of our joining the European Economic Community? Can he give any estimate of the number of small farmers who are likely to go out of business if we join the Common Market, having regard to the large number in the Six who have already been put out of agriculture?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The amalgamation of smallholdings is inevitable with the growth of modernisation and increased efficiency. This is bound to happen. It is much too soon yet to give an answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is my hon. Friend able to give the number of farmers included in the total decrease who have been removed from their land because of the spread of towns, new towns and building, or are those figures not available?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I have not those figures available at present, but I will look into the matter for my hon. Friend.

Mr. C. Hughes

As the decrease has been alarming during the past six years, can the hon. Gentleman give any reasons for it? Does he expect that the decrease will continue at the present rate, and for how long? Also, does he think that a decrease like this is desirable in the interests of British agriculture?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I do not agree that the decrease has been alarming. A decline from 512,000 to 470,000 in just over seven years is not alarming, though it is the trend. The reasons for it I have already given. The hon. Gentleman must realise that in the economic circumstances of the day, expansion, mechanisation and increased efficiency sometimes warrant such a decrease. This is what has been happening.