§ 2. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average annual net output of British agriculture between the years 1946 and 1966; and what is the average for the years 1965 and 1966.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)Figures of 590 agricultural net output in the United Kingdom are available on a uniform basis from 1953–54 only. The average value at constant prices from 1953–54 to 1965–66 was £750 million. For the last two years of this period, the average was £907 million. This figure is subject to revision at the Annual Review now in progress.
§ Mr. MartenIs it not true that, in spite of those figures, the actual rate of expansion is falling significantly behind what was intended, and is not the real answer that farmers should have more profitability, which they could then invest or reinvest in their farms?
§ Mr. MackieGenerally, the increases asked for in the National Plan are being carried out, although the figures for pigs are a little lower. The other question, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is for the Price Review and I cannot anticipate it.