§ 5. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has studied the latest report of the University of Nottingham on farming in the East Midlands, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what conclusions he has drawn therefrom.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)I have read this report, which shows that in 1968–69 average net farm income in the area fell.
§ Mr. FarrHas the Parliamentary Secretary observed that from this document it may be seen that both the sheep and the cattle populations fell in 1969 compared with 1968? As that no doubt has not escaped his attention, what does he intend to do about it?
§ Mr. MackieI have told the House, and no doubt the hon. Gentleman before, that taking one year in agriculture does not lead to any meaningful result. The hon. Gentleman must take the figure over a period. Although the number of cattle and sheep may have fallen a little in that period, it does not necessarily mean that it is falling all the time.